For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud,That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10,11)

Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God will accomplish its intended purpose. “It runs like a swift messenger through nature and the world of man…to heal and to save; it does not return from its course till it has given effect to the will of the Sender.” (Keil and Delitzsch) The immediate application for Isaiah's listeners was the promise of deliverance from Babylon.  However, the power of God's word is manifest in various ways.

The force of God's word is seen in his miracles.  The universe, the earth, and its inhabitants were all created by the utterance of God. It was by God's word that the demons were cast out, the sea was calmed, the lame and the blind were healed, and the dead raised.  God's word will not return unto him void.

The efficacy of God's word is seen in its fruitfulness. God's word can probe into the hearts of men revealing their intentions and ways.  Its truth is either accepted or rejected. One cannot remain neutral. By clearly dividing the light from the path of darkness, God’s word accomplishes its purpose.  It exposes human folly. It will not return unto him void.

The power of God's word is seen in it's moral qualities.  When it is planted in an honest heart, it can radically change the life of that individual.  There is nothing more beautiful than a godly man or woman who has allowed its truths of love, gentleness, faith, and conviction to mold their character.  God's word will accomplish its purpose.

Throughout history man has sought for purpose by his own schemes. He has tried to fulfill his longing for contentment by worshiping idols made by his own hands. Like a steadfast beacon the word of God has been pointing to a way of genuine peace. His word is incorruptible and will accomplish its purpose.

There may be times when we may doubt it's power, but we have strong assurance that God's word will not return unto him void.  Learn it,  live by it, and share it.

George Slover

But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4:19,20)

This is one of my favorite scenes in all of the Bible. The gospel of the resurrection of Christ is gaining popularity. To add fuel to the fire, the apostles healed a lame man that was seen daily at the gate of the temple. This undeniable wonder further incites the enemies of Christ, and thus leads to a confrontation.

We not only marvel at the courage of the apostles, but also at the nature of Divine truth. There is a sharp contrast between the character of truth, and the character of human error.

When those opposed to Jesus are presented with the facts, their only option is to discredit or neutralize those who teach God’s word. In this case, the Jews first try to simply threaten the apostles. (Acts 4:16,17) The Sanhedrin was a body of great influence and power, but their inability to answer the hard facts leaves them powerless.

To teach that Jesus is the only way to God (Acts 4:12),and to proclaim this Jesus was raised from the dead (Acts 4:1,2) are daring claims. Such concessions greatly disturbed the religious elite in Jerusalem. However, these doctrines were backed by irrefutable evidence.

Divine truth is not speculative, but practical, and nothing has gained the attention of  skeptics like the resurrection of Christ. But, God has not left himself without witness. The testimony of early disciples challenged the authorities. Peter testified: “Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know”. (Acts 2:22) Paul proclaimed: “For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.” Like all of other witnesses, Peter and John will say: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4:20)

The historical events of early Christianity is marvelous proof of its Divine origin. Disciples of Christ of every generation must not be ashamed of their faith. Shout it from the house tops! Christ is risen!

By George Slover

A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray.” (Isaiah 35:8) 

Under the reference of deliverance from Assyria and Babylon, the messianic age is foreshadowed. Here Isaiah speaks of a highway leading to God. In Isaiah 11:16, he speaks of a “highway for the remnant of God's people.” Please note some of the characteristics of this highway.

The Hebrew word for “highway” connotes a raised road. It refers to one that is leveled or prepared. The very ministry of John the Baptist was to “prepare the way of the Lord”. (Matthew 3:3) He came to raise the valleys and to level the mountains. Such is the way of Christ and salvation. All the hindrances have been removed and the path is clearly laid before us.

This highway is singular. It is called “a road” or “a way”.  There is only one way to God, not many ways. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) The Lord's disciples were true to this way. Paul clearly taught that there was only one true way to serve God. (Acts 24:14) Those who were devoted to this way were persecuted (Acts 22:4),  and ostracized. (Acts 22:14)

Finally, this is a way of holiness. “The unclean shall not pass over it”. It is limited to the holy or redeemed. This is not to say that those who walk this path never sin. The rebellious, willful sinner will not walk this path. However, imperfect saints with hearts set on obeying the Lord will be found there.

God has been thinking of us for a long time. He has clearly marked the path. He has provided relief for those who stumble. He is calling us to join the remnant of his people as they tread the road to Zion.

George Slover
 

There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, And in His excellency on the clouds, the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:26,27) In Moses’ final address to Israel he bursts forth in admiration of Jehovah’s excellency and care for his people. Here, the leader of Israel uses imagery which vividly describes the power and providence of God. Without question Israel's source of greatness is God. It is through him they enjoy security, prosperity, and victory. Who is like the God of Jeshurun?  There is none like him. He is an eternal, self existing, unchanging God. There is no other to compare to him. Of all people of the world he has entered into a covenant relationship with Israel.  In the glory of his Majesty he is over all. Like a king in his chariot he rides upon the clouds watching over his people. What is true for Israel is true for every individual. His every decree and law has us in mind. He thinks and plans for no other reason than for our advantage; namely our redemption. This “Eternal Rock” provides safety and shelter from the storms of life. With his might he holds Israel in his everlasting arms. Jehovah never gets tired. He is always there for his people.  How incredible the thought that this eternal God would provide such care for weak and sinful people. Why is it so difficult for some to accept the reality of such a God? Perhaps it is because so many fail in habitually cultivating a relationship with him, and to remind themselves of his daily presence. The Bible is a story of an infinite, almighty, righteous, all- wise God who revealed himself to bring back to himself a people, and to save them from sin, and give them an everlasting fellowship. Do you know the God of Israel? Why not begin today? By George Slover

"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" (1 Peter 1:13)

Peter has been speaking to these suffering saints of a wonderful future; of a living hope; of an incorruptible inheritance. Such confident aspirations fill them with an inexpressible joy. However, they must not lose sight of present duties if they are to finish strong.

The phrase "gird up" occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, except perhaps in Luke 12:35. Other translations render it differently: "prepare your minds" (ESV); have a mind that is alert" (NIV).  Thus, "we must gird up the loins of our mind" and set out to fix our hearts on the business of the Lord.

A closer look at the phrase paints a picture of perhaps soldiers preparing for battle, or pilgrims preparing for travel. They were to tuck in the edges of the tunic and tighten the belt. They must pull themselves together. Peter is obviously concerned about the encumbrances and challenges along the way that may keep them from finishing the journey.

Among the distractions would be persecution. (1 Peter 4:19) Peter does not deceive them. Because they are connected to a rejected savior, they will also be rejected. (1 Peter 2:7) The need for human acceptance is a strong emotion and can easily divert the disciple from his mission. He must get tough mentally. He needs to stay focused!

Fleshly lusts can also become a hindrance. (1 Peter 2:11,12) Former friends will expect you to engage in their fleshly activities. (1 Peter 4:3,4) Such worldly pleasures have a strong allurement, and can easily cause the soldier to stumble. He must stay mentally alert.

Finally, there is the allurement of material things that will be the downfall of some disciples. (Matthew 6:33) The cares and riches of this world will prevent these soldiers from bearing fruit for God. (Luke 8:14) Therefore, they must gird up the loins of their mind and get focused on the treasures of heaven.

The people of God are pilgrims and strangers in this world. God has made high and lofty promises to his people. However, the journey is long and treacherous. They must gather up the robes and lay aside anything that may impede the progress, and one day the Savior will say, "well done".

By George Slover