Isaiah 55 Continues

“God’s word not only provides abundance and fertility; it makes things happen.  In the same way that precipitation set off a chain of events, when God’s word goes forth, it produces God’s intended effect….The word goes out form God’s mouth, returns to God, and accomplishes God’s purpose and intent….culminating in ‘success’ in God’s sending…” (Steed Verbtk Davidson p.221 Feast on the Word Year A column 3) 

This morning  just two words, Davidson mentions, caught my attention:  “intended effect.”

If Christians would be attentive to God’s “Purpose”  — God’s “intended effect” — we just might be in a better place as Christ’s Body in the world.

Now saying that I am stepping into a pile of problems.

Because, to be clear, there are at least — at least — two ways to witness to God’s Word.  

First we have those who see scripture as black and white.  They interpret the words, printed on the pages, of the  Bible as the only truth without error. Words taken off the page defined by the English language.

The problem with this kind of interpretation is it limits God. This kind of thinking labels, and boxes in, peoples with all kinds of stringent rules.

This kind of theology tends to limit God’s creative activity.  That is to say, it stunts growth.  

The second way is to see scripture as the “Living Word.”

Understanding the Bible brings us the truth of God.  A Word of God that is still living, speaking and acting today. (See John 16:7-15) 

The theology of the Bible, understood as the Living Word, allows God the 
privilege of being God.  Which, offers the possibility of cultivation to full growth. 

My personal theology errors on the side of grace — “The Living Word of God.”  I clearly understand God as a gracious, loving and very forgiving God.

A God who accepts us where we are and, by the presence of the Holy Spirit, moves us forward in faith as we  are at any given moment.