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Sweet Nectar of THE GOD
Undoubtedly Christmas would not be the same if it weren’t for the sweets; pies, cookies, gingerbread men who I have a hard time eating without laughing because they’ve been parodied so much. Sweets are a weakness. So is bread.
And so when I was faced with this verse in Isaiah, I found myself hungrier by the word. However, my hunger is a healthy hunger, not a “my blood sugar is dropping and I need something NOW” type hunger. Rather, a “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103) – type hunger. It left me wanting more. And I hope it does for you as well.
In this fifth Gospel, Isaiah, we cross paths with a familiar concept found in much of the New Testament: bread and seed. Isaiah draws a parallel between the rain and snow from Heaven providing an essential element for growth here on earth, and the Word of God being an essential element for the same purpose.
I find it interesting that God provides both bread for the eater (consumer) and seed for the sower (producer). God does not only give us only bread, and in so doing fatten us up (on words), he expects us to sow the seeds he provides us with. But in order for us to sow, we must first eat from the Bread (see Matthew 4:4, John 6:25-59).
Isaiah, David, and so many others see clearly that it is God’s words alone that hold power, not human words. “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty…” Yes, God’s Word has power and purpose (vs. 11). Paul says it another way: “For the word of God is living and active… (Hebrews 4:12). I find rest in the fact that His words will not return to him empty, or void. Because that means that the promises revealed in His Word are promises I can bank on; they are totally reliable. Indeed, God is completely sovereign.
So, are you letting the Word do it’s job? Are you giving it an opportunity? Come on, Taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).”
Joe,
Thanks for this. This Isaiah passage has hit me several times in the last year. You pointed me towards it when I first started coming to Cumberland. It’s also a constant reminder as it is printed right inside the front cover of the Bible’s that are handed out at Cumberland. You refered to this verse while we were on mission in Kenya. Now it has come around again. I think it’s starting to sink in! Thanks!
Peace,
Jon
Thanks for your wise words Joe-Baby! Isn’t it supernaturally incredible how life-giving the Word is…and what’s also cool is when God “peels the onion” to different and greater meaning with the same scripture. Thanks for pointing us back there.
Joe:
A great message to take to heart. If our tongues have the power of life and death, how much more power does God’s Word have? Thanks for a great reminder of His Sovereignty.
I also like the concept out of verse 10 that God’s WORD is both the SEED that becomes planted in us as well as the WATER that initiates growth and nourishes that very same seed.
Ever visit a Seed Store at the beginning of gardening season? So many different things to look forward to! Just like the WORD!
This is why I have to remember to make the Word my sustenance, and not merely a snack. Thanks for your thoughts, Joe.
Joe,
Both this and Alan’s message yesterday have been a great reminder to me that God’s word is living and active and I need it for nourishment for my soul. Thanks for sharing this!