Bible

Bible

The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

Isaiah 55:10-11

Rainfall makes a difference. In the central areas of South America, which receive over sixty inches of rainfall a year, life-forms flourish. But in places like northern Africa, which receives less than ten inches of rainfall a year, the land is dry and treeless.

I love the verses from Isaiah that liken rain and snow to God’s Word. I especially appreciate the progression of the action: the precipitation comes down, stays, waters, causes grain to grow, produces seed, and makes bread. That’s what rain and snow do for people, and that’s what God’s Word does for us.

It comes down. It may come during a church service, or while a mother reads a Bible story at bedtime, or through a neighborhood Bible study.

It stays. Just as moisture is absorbed into the ground, God’s Word is absorbed into our hearts.

It waters. Revelation 22:17 (NIV) says, “Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” God’s Word refreshes us and gives us life.

It causes grain to grow. When God’s Word sprouts in our hearts, it’s like the grain—first the stalk appears, then the head, and then the full kernel, producing more seed. Growth takes time.

It produces seed. The new seed dies, takes root, sprouts, and grows as it is nurtured. As we share God’s good news with others, the seeds of his truth are multiplied in their hearts. God’s Word is necessary for all these stages of growth.

It produces bread; it gives life. The Word of God leads us to an eternal relationship with Jesus, who is the Bread of Life (John 6:35).

Father,

Thank you for the rain and snow you provide to water the earth. Thank you for your Word, which points us to a growing relationship with Jesus, the Bread of Life. May we be faithful in guiding our children to your Word. Amen.