Isaiah 55:10-13 (NIV)

¹⁰As 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,

¹¹so 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.

¹²You will go out in joy

and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and hills

will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field

will clap their hands.

¹³Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,

and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.

This will be for the LORD’s renown,

for an everlasting sign,

that will endure forever.”

Reflection

Isaiah is asserting here that God always will accomplish his purpose. This is not a distant hope, but something that is already happening now and will continue to happen. In this vision, the effects are seen throughout creation as every part is redeemed and renewed. The imagery captures active participation and response. Hills are bursting into song and trees clapping along. There is a resounding ‘yes’ to everything God is doing.

Responding to the Transmission

Let’s join in with the resounding ‘yes,’ not just waiting around for things to happen, but living in ways that make what we believe begin to happen now in Christ. As we go through wilderness times together, let’s be assured of God’s faithfulness and that he is renewing and restoring…starting again right now. “It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”  Do you want to see the trees on your street clap their branches?  Then fully live out your hope and salvation today…and keep an eye on your trees; they will continue to show you how awesome God is.