“For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
(Isaiah 55:10-11)
Invisible miracles of nature are quietly and continually at work all around us. The gentle rain waters the seed and the soil in which it resides. The seed germinates, the plant breaks through the ground and, in time, brings forth fruit. So it is with the invisible operations, blessings, and graces of God’s Word. We cannot observe the conversion of a soul, nor can we explain the mystical effects of the Word of God in our own heart. For the manner of its working is unknown to us.
The Gospel moves on some men in a sweet and gentle manner like silent snowflakes cover the ground or morning dew waters the earth. And with others, it washes over them like a mighty fierce rain. This water of the Word awakens the seed of the spirit to quicken and germinate. It nourishes the soul to grow upward toward the Sun of Righteousness. It causes the precious plants of God’s vineyard to be green and flourish in all the fruits of the Spirit.
This refreshing Gospel of God washes away our doubts and fears and rains down on us the assurance of grace and the comfort of forgiveness. It blesses our lives with its enduring promises. It sanctifies and cleanses us and strengthens our connection to the Vine that we may continue to grow in grace and faith. The inherent power of the Word accomplishes every result God desires and every purpose he intends because God guarantees it.
So when you have opportunity to drink from this living fountain of the Gospel, do so with vigor! Concur with the Word to do its work in your soul. Relish the moments you spend with the sweet Gospel of God. Let it captivate your soul and accomplish its work. John Flavel said, “I am going to hear the word which will quicken or kill me, save or damn my soul; if I sit dead under it, and return barren from it, I shall wish one day that I had never seen the face of that Minister, nor heard his voice that preached it.”[1]
For if God will work, who shall stop his hand? “My Word shall not return to me in vain, it shall accomplish that for which I sent it.”
Contemplations:
- Lord Jesus, my ever merciful and loving Redeemer! I give you my most hearty thanks for your heavenly, spiritual provision in your Word for there you feed and refresh my soul.
- Lord I pray that you will help me see your Word clearly, that all the good that is intended in it for me would in fact do me good. May this celestial seed take root in me and be effectual to my salvation all my days. Watch over my heart, Lord, and hedge it in with your grace that nothing may destroy the growth of your Word in me.
- Lord, I ask that you so prepare me for your love that I may never forget your gracious words promised through your holy prophet, “That as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So thy word that goeth forth out of thy mouth, shall not return unto thee void, but shall accomplish that which thou pleasest, and prosper in the thing whereto thou sendest it.” Even so, Lord Jesus, let it be as you have promised. Let the words I have heard this day in my reading prosper in me.
- Lord, help me see that my life aligns with your Word that I may not only know what your blessed will is, but also perform and fulfill it so that at last by your mediation and mercies I may attain to your eternal, glorious kingdom in Christ Jesus.
Further references for Isa. 55:10-11:
2 Cor. 9:10; Deut. 32:2; Isa. 46:10; 1 Peter 1:23
[1] John Flavel, Englands Duty under the Present Gospel Liberty (London: Printed for Matthew Wotton .., 1689), 14.
