Isaiah writes that God’s word that proceeds from his mouth will not return to him without accomplishing the desire for which he sent it.
The next verse describes the effect on those who participate in this endeavor, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all of the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
So, as God’s messengers, we will experience both personal joy and peace and the sublime pleasure of being in partnership with all of creation.
The oneness with the universe that some religions tout (moksha in Hinduism, nirvana in Buddhism) is found in God’s co-laborers who faithfully communicate his message of love to his children.
This is because God has no higher priority than having his word proclaimed to all of creation.
Everything in life is proceeding in accordance with his plan, and he desires that this comforting thought be delivered faithfully to the faithful.
Even the proclamations of the coming judgement are rooted in God’s desire that his children be fully prepared for every eventuality. He spoke the world into existence and, ever since then, the world proceeds according to his commands. Even the chaos caused by the enemy is controlled by his word.
Life may inevitably contain some drudgery, but, even in the dullest of moments, we can joyfully anticipate the full emancipation of all creation and the full liberation of the children of God (Romans 8:21).
Until then, there is ample joy and liberty to be found in his presence.
Through our partnership with him, we are now in the inner circle; we are now in the family. All of the family secrets, the family fortunes, and the family joys are now ours.
Yes, there will be trials and tribulations, tests and temptations, but, as the apostle Paul discovered, “the sufferings of this present age are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Let us “go out in joy and be led forth in peace!”
~ Brad Heilhecker
Restored People Community 