The Words Purpose and Power

Isaiah 55:10-11

10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

(In very deliberate fashion, pour the water into the glass and take a long, dramatic drink from the glass. Sigh contentedly and loudly after the drink. This is an especially effective opening illustration during the summer in hot churches that are not air-condi­tioned.)

How exhilarating a cold drink of water is on a hot day! It cools us off and refreshes us. It is energizing and, as we know, it is healthy for us. Drinking water initiates all sorts of chemical activ­ities in our bodies that are of great benefit to us. God’s Word acts in the same way. By God’s design and desire, his Word can energize and refresh us, it can “cool us off’ when the heat is turned up in our lives, and it provides great bene­fits to our spiritual health. In a world that thirsts for hope and salvation, God pours out his love on us through the water of his Word.

I. Water is vital for life; God’s Word is vital for eternal life.

A.    Water is necessary for plants, animals, and us to live. Virtually every living organism needs water to survive. We can survive with­out food for many days (many people today fast for 10, 20, and even 40 days without major ill-effects), but we cannot live that long without water. Whether it’s a camel or a cactus, water is essential for every living plant, animal, and person.

B.     We need the water of God’s saving Word to survive spiritually. We will die spiritually (eternally) without God’s Gospel in our lives. Just as water is life giving and life pre­serving, so, too, is God’s Word.

2. God provides his life-giving water in abundance for his creation.

A.    The rain and snow (v 10) are intended to water the earth to produce food for our suste­nance. Not only do they give life to the “fruit” we eat, they also produce seed for further and continued growth. The effects of this watering are ongoing.

(I)  God’s love is shown to us as he gives us our “daily bread” (“bread for the eater,” v 10).

(2) The watering causes the earth to “bud and flourish,” providing not only food, but also other materials necessary for our survival (clothing and shelter), as well as beauty for our pleasure (the buds of flowers).

B.     God sends out his Word, “watering” his cre­ation with its life-giving effects. God’s Word is the saving message of the Gospel. Jesus is the Word that has come in the flesh. His death and resurrection are God’s ultimate provision for his children. When Christ comes to us in the waters of Baptism, we receive the gift of faith for eternal life and the very Spirit of Jesus in our hearts. The effect of his Word in our lives is ongoing.

(1) God’s love is shown to us as he grants us salvation through his Word.

(2) His Word in our lives provides not only eternal life, but also abundant life, which includes the fruit and gifts of the Spirit, the fellowship of believers, the peace of Christ, which is beyond our ability to understand, as well as the process of sanctification, the beauty of becoming more like Jesus each day.

3. God carries out his purposes through the giving of his Word.

A.    The desire of God’s heart is that we enjoy life with him forever. It delights him when a person receives the gift of faith (Lk 15:10). His Word accomplishes what he desires. It brings about the knowledge of sin and of our need for a savior. It provides the way of for­giveness and eternal life. It begins a work in us that is ongoing throughout our lives and which will be brought to perfect completion at the Last Day (Phil 1:6).

B.     God’s desire for us is that we also enjoy life with him right now. We don’t have to wait for eternity to know God’s abundant blessings. Jesus came to bring the abundant life (Jn 10:10). God’s Word provides aspects of the abundant life—comfort, hope, joy, encourage­ment, and guidance. These gifts from God are not only for us to enjoy, but we also are privi­leged to share them with others.

4. God’s power comes through his Word.

A.    Only God could accomplish the plan of sal­vation. It is his power manifested in the Word made flesh that overcame sin, death, and the devil. It is his power that brings that victory to us through the gift of faith.

B. The power of God through the Word always produces a response. Sometimes that response is guilt and conviction, and other times it is comfort and freedom.

C.  The power of God comes through his Word, going beyond all else.

                 (1)  Beyond our feelings: The assurance of our salvation is not based on our feel­ings, but on the promises of God’s Word.

                 (2)Beyond our circumstances: Because of God’s Word, we can look at difficult circumstances without becoming over­whelmed by them, for we know that Jesus has overcome all (1 Thess 5:18).

(3)    Beyond death: We are never without hope, even in seemingly hopeless situa­tions, because God’s Word assures us of our ultimate victory in Christ.

(4)     

Conclusion: In his love for us, God provides for our daily and eternal needs through his Word. His desire for us is that we would enjoy the abun­dant life and eternal life that Christ has won for us. His Word carries out his desires, always producing a response and continuing to work in his children throughout their lives. The power of God’s Word is evident in all circumstances and for all time. God pours out his Word for us in his love. Drink up!