by Dr. Al Hearne II

This ninth shore excursion aimed at understanding the foundation of Scripture to fully accept God's truth.

 

Shore Excursion 9 - Is God’s Purpose Always Accomplished?

Isaiah 55:11, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

In Isaiah 55, the prophet invites everyone to come and receive God's abundant provision and blessing. The chapter beautifully depicts God's invitation to all people to accept His grace, turning from their own ways to embrace His truth. Verse 11 is a powerful declaration of the effectiveness and power of God's Word. It reminds us that when God speaks, His words are not just sounds or ideas; they carry His divine authority to accomplish His will.

The verse begins with, "so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth," indicating that God's word is active and purposeful; it is not idle or empty but filled with the power to bring about God's intended outcome. This is a profound truth about Scripture: it is not merely a collection of writing or historical records. Scripture is the living, active expression of God's will. Just as rain and snow cause it to bear fruit, God's word goes forth to fulfill His purposes in the world and in our lives.

The middle of the verse, "it shall not return to empty," assures us that God's word will not fail. When God speaks, His words accomplish what He has declared. Every promise, command, and prophecy in the Bible is true and will be fulfilled. God's word is reliable and trustworthy because it is backed by His unchanging nature. When we trust His word, we are placing our faith in the very character of God Himself.

The final section of the verse, "but it shall accomplish that which I propose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it," emphasizes that God's word is effective. It brings about precisely what He intends. Scripture always achieves God's purpose, whether to comfort, convict, guide, or inspire. This is why understanding the foundation of Scripture is crucial to our faith. We can trust that God's word is true, powerful, and capable of transforming our hearts, shaping our lives, and fulfilling His plan. 

 

What does this mean for us today?

With uncertainty and changing values, we find our assurance in the unchanging truth of God's word. Isaiah 55:11 teaches us that God's word is not just informative, it is transformative and accomplishes what God desires, whether in the life of an individual believer or the unfolding of his divine plan throughout history. Understanding this allows us to approach Scripture with reverence and expectation, knowing that we encounter His living, active Voice every time we engage in God's word.

For us, this means prioritizing the study and application of Scripture in our daily lives. We should read God's word, not just to gain knowledge, but to be changed by it. When we read the Bible with an open heart, we allow God's word to work with us, aligning our thoughts and actions with His will. Whether seeking guidance, comfort, or correction, we can trust God's word will accomplish His purpose in our lives. 

 

Reflective Practice

Have you seen God's word accomplish his purpose in your life or in the lives of others?

Are there specific promises in Scripture that you find difficult to believe? How can you strengthen your trust in God's Word?

What steps can you take to ensure that you're allowing God's word to actively shape and transform your thoughts, decisions, and actions daily?

 

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word and the assurance that it will accomplish your purpose in our lives and in the unfolding of human history.  Thank you for the power that is in your word and for its ability to transform our lives through comfort, conviction, guidance, or inspiration.  Help us to always approach your Word with reverence and the expectation that your will is going to take place in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

[Image, God’s Purpose, was created by DALL·E.]