Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Does Not Return Void

Isaiah 55:10-11 serves as a powerful reminder of the undeniable validity of God's Word. This holds particular significance in a world where human promises often fall short of expectations. We find solace in knowing that God is the keeper of His Word. Therefore, His words are not empty; He means what He says. This sets Him apart from us, as humans often speak without true intent or struggle to keep their word.

Moreover, every word spoken by God comes to pass and possesses the power to shape our world and our lives. Join us as we delve into the validity, intentionality, fulfilment, and dependability of God's Word, using scripture to interpret scripture.

The Validity of God’s Word

Numbers 23:19 declares that God is not a man; thus, He cannot lie. This is a crucial distinction because God is a Spirit, not bound by flesh like us humans; therefore, He is incorruptible. Consequently, whatever He says is undeniably true, making it absolutely valid. Psalm 33:9 confirms this by stating,

"For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast."

To further emphasize this validity, both Numbers 23:19-20 and Isaiah 55:10 confirm that when God speaks, He has no intention of retracting His words. Moreover, Numbers 23:19 underscores that God is not a son of man, signifying His unchanging nature. This distinction is crucial because God is unwavering and clear in His intentions, while we as humans can experience shifts in our feelings and decisions. God remains consistent, as He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and there is no shadow of turning with Him. As a relatable example, if God were to make a commitment like marriage, He would always be faithful and not consider a divorce or falling out of love 10 years down the line. Unlike us, He is not led by His emotions but by His incorruptible character.

Numbers 23:19-20 NKJV - "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it."

Isaiah 55:10 provides a vivid metaphor, further confirming that God’s Word is not retractable: 

"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."

The beauty of it all is that even if we prove unfaithful or disobedient, God remains faithful. His commitment to keeping His Word reflects His unchanging goodness, not ours, as stated in 2 Timothy 2:13.

2 Timothy 2:13 NKJV - "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself."

Moreover, God is the Word, thus, giving His words unmatched authority. When God speaks, it's not by chance; He is deliberate and purposeful. A remarkable example of this authority is the account of creation–By speaking, God created the entire world. His words have the power to shape our world and our lives.

John 1:1 NKJV - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Psalm 33:6 emphasizes this creative power: "By the word of the Lord, the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth."

God’s Word is ALWAYS Intentional

The most significant demonstration of the intentionality of God's Word is found in His promise to send us the Saviour, His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus, who was born of a virgin, walked among His people and ultimately laid down His life to save us from the wrath of God and eternal damnation by taking our place on the cross by paying the penalty for our sins, which is death.

Throughout the Old Testament, we see God foretelling His people, through His prophets, of the impending arrival of Jesus, the Messiah. This reality, that Jesus came to walk among us and laid down His life for us, is confirmed for those of us who bear witness through the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

Even before God told His prophets of Jesus' coming, immediately after The Fall, in which Adam and Eve's disobedience brought death and corruption into the world, God told Satan in Genesis 3:15:

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He (Jesus) shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

Once more, we can confirm that this Word has indeed come to pass over 2000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross of Calvary. Here, He defeated Satan, overcoming sin and death. These examples stand as a testament that God’s Word does not return void.

We Have No Reason to Doubt God’s Word

As we contemplate Isaiah 55:10-11 while keeping in mind numerous other Biblical accounts, we are reminded that God's Word is true and will always be fulfilled. Isaiah 55:11 expressly declares that God's Word accomplishes what God intends. This fact reassures us that we can place our trust in God, dispel all doubt, and apply His Word to our daily lives.

We can trust that if God declares that He will perfect that which concerns you or deliver you out of all your afflictions, you can hold Him to His promise because He is faithful. If He says that His gifts and call are irrevocable, you can be certain that He will not withdraw His salvation or Spirit from you. Likewise, If He said that He will never leave you nor forsake you, you need not fear or worry, for He has declared that you are more valuable than the sparrows and He will take care of you. Numbers 23:19 emphasizes this unwavering principle:

"Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"

In summary, God’s word is an undisputable source of truth in a world where words can often be empty and meaningless. As we reflect on the validity of God's Word, we find comfort in His deliberate and purposeful speech, convinced that His words are never empty or spoken in vain: they always come to pass. Additionally, We have undeniable evidence that His words have the authority to shape our world and our lives.

Furthermore, the fulfilment of God's promise of the Messiah, evident in the arrival of Jesus Christ, stands as the ultimate testament of His faithfulness. It reinforces the reality that when God speaks, He means what He says, and His Word becomes a dependable rock on which we can stand.

Scripture References:

Bible Gateway passage: Isaiah 55:10-11 - New King James Version

Bible Gateway passage: Numbers 23:19-20 - New King James Version

Bible Gateway passage: 2 Timothy 2:13 - New King James Version

Bible Gateway passage: John 1:1 - New King James Version

Bible Gateway passage: Psalm 33 - New King James Version

Bible Gateway passage: Psalm 138:8 - New King James Version

Bible Gateway passage: Psalm 34:19 - New King James Version

Bible Gateway passage: Hebrews 13:5 - New King James Version

Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 10:31 - New King James Version