482. ISA 55:10-11. WORD OF GOD LIKENED TO THE RAIN AND SNOW

Isa_55:10-11. Word Of God Likened To The Rain And Snow

"For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it to bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth," &c.’97Isa_55:10, Isa_55:11.

All the elements of nature are under divine control. God directeth and disposeth of all things according to the purpose of his all-wise and righteous pleasure. He gave nature her original laws, and he is the great source of that order and harmony which prevails throughout his works. In all the diversified kingdoms of nature, he has caused one thing to depend upon another. Hence the fruitfulness of the earth greatly depends on the produce of the clouds. These empty their moistening contents upon the thirsty earth, and thus cause it to bring forth and to bud, and also to yield to the husbandman a supply of fresh seed-corn, and sufficient bread to those who labor for its cultivation. Observe then the analogy in the kingdoms of nature and grace, between the rain and snow and the divine word. We see the resemblance,

I. In the Origin of both.

The rain, although naturally produced, is yet obviously the work and gift of God. He prepareth it; storeth it up; bears it on the wings of the wind; and freely pours it upon the earth. So also the word of life is his own production. He inspired the minds of the writers with the ideas, thoughts, and gave them infallible directions and aid in revealing his mind to mankind. The scriptures are thus directly from heaven, and bear the sublime impression of their divine and blessed author. We see the resemblance,

II. In the Mode of communicating both.

He giveth the rain,

1. At peculiar seasons.

Periods when its bestowment is desirable and necessary. So God gave his word, during the various seasons of our world’s history, in divers manners, and at various periods, to the fathers by the prophets. Just as God exercises his infinite skill in giving rain from heaven’97so also did he give the words of truth and salvation to the world. He gives the rain 2. Abundantly.

Hence the earth lacketh not this great and essential blessing. So also he has fully, abundantly revealed his will in his holy word. We possess fulness of spiritual knowledge. Enough for all the par poses of personal piety, present usefulness, and to make us meet for eternal glory. The apostle says, "It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2Ti_3:16. He communicateth the rain,

3. Discriminately.

We say not according to his sovereignty, for he exercises that glorious prerogative in all his works and government. But the rain is not given to all countries in like manner, as to seasons, abundance, &c. So with respect to his word, he de posited it originally with the seed of Abraham. To them pertained his oracles. They had God’s word, while the rest of the nations were in darkness. They had the copious showers of truth, while other lands were sterile and barren as to the true knowledge of God. So it has ever extensively been, and so it is even yet. As a nation we have been greatly favored. But other countries are only now receiving in their own tongues the wonderful testimonies of God’s word. He communicates the rain,

4. Freely, gratuitously.

It is one of his free gifts to man. It comes bountifully from his beneficent and gracious hand. So also the word is his free gift to man. A gracious revelation of his love, and, like every other blessing, conferred without money and without price. We see the resemblance,

III. In the Design of both

The rain is sent to make the earth fruitful, to cause it to bring forth and bud. Now we observe,

1. The earth, like the heart of man, without this would be unfruitful.

The earth requires rain,’97is barren without it. The heart of man requires the word of God, and is dark, hard, frigid, and barren without it. Nothing will answer as a substitute for rain, and nothing meets the exigencies of the soul but the word of God. We observe,

2. The adaptation of both for the end contemplated.

Rain softens and moistens the earth and produces fruitfulness. The word of God enlightens, impresses, alarms, convinces, and converts. It is the instrumental means of regeneration and holiness. Wherever it is received it produceth;hese nappy and delightful effects. They resemble each other,

IV. In the Results arising from both.

The rain and snow answer the end for which they are sent. Thus God’s word shall not be ineffectual. It shall accomplish God’s pleasure. That is, it shall produce results pleasing to God; answer the great end he contemplated; produce fruit to the honor and glory of his name.

1. It shall make barren souls fruitful.

See Rom_6:22. It has ever done this. Wherever it has been borne, sin and iniquity have been effaced, and holiness and goodness produced. Men have been turned from sin to God, from darkness to light, &c. What a striking example is the case of the Corinthian church. 1Co_6:9, 1Co_6:11.

2. It shall increase the means of doing good.

"Give seed to the sower." The fruitful earth yieldeth thirty, sixty, and a hundred-fold. Thus too all converted persons are as seed-corn, they have been produced for the reproduction of others. They shall be useful as well as fruitful. Thus as disciples are increased the power of doing is increased to the church. They are additional lights in the world, &c.

3. It shall reward the laborer.

The Christian minister is a sower, and his reward is given from the fruitful earth. He depends upon the earth yielding her increase, the earth depends upon the rain, and the rain upon God. The minister’s chief reward will be the trophies of the truth. Those converted by the gospel. And if it is the joy of the Saviour, how much more should it be the joy of the servant. Php_4:1; 1Th_2:19.

4. It shall satisfy the author.

"It shall prosper whereto I send it." God will be eternally glorified in the achievements of his word. God will derive united and eternal praise from the spirits of the glorified, who have been made fruitful and righteous by his holy word. It will attain all God intended and expected from it.

Application

1. Let us not be unmindful of the source and value of temporal blessings. God sendeth us rain from heaven, fruitful seasons &c.

2. Let. spiritual blessings especially be gratefully received. The word, next to the Son and Spirit of God, is the greatest and most precious of these.

3. Have the ends and purposes of God been answered in giving us his sacred and precious word. Do we bear fruit to the glory of his grace.

4. Unfruitfulness under superior privileges will greatly add to our condemnation at the great day.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS