One of the enduring problems of prophecy is how to judge what is true. The test of true prophecy in Israel was whether it came to pass.
Sunday’s first reading is a short, almost lyrical, passage from the last chapter of the prophecy of Second Isaiah, the prophet who called the exiles to return and rebuild Jerusalem.
This passage claims that God’s word, which Isaiah speaks, is certain and effective. It is a performative word. What it says it does. As sure as rain, sun, and seed make a harvest, so purposeful is God’s word.
God’s word is certain.
Just as the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return there
until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower
and bread to the eater,
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 succeed in the thing
for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55.10-11
- What reasons do you have for trusting God’s word?