November '24

"They shall spring up among the grass 

like willows by flowing streams" (Is 44:4).

Speaking to the stagnant, struggling, and wicked Israel, Isaiah prophecies a new order, new covenant, new servant of the Lord, and new creation (Chapters 40-66). For example, he writes:

"Remember not the former things, 

nor consider the things of old. 

Behold, I am doing a new thing; 

now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? 

I will make a way in the wilderness 

and rivers in the desert" (Is 43:18–19).

When we look at these chapters through the lens of the New Testament, we see that while many of these promises will be enjoyed only in the new earth, many of them are enjoyed now through the present reign of the Servant King, Jesus Christ. Isaiah 44:4 belongs in the second category.

Isaiah foresees people "[springing] up among the grass, like willows by flowing streams" (44:4). The prophet is using this simile to describe the effect on God's people of God's action in v. 3, which promises, "I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants" (Is 44:3). Since the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven (Acts 2:17, 33), we have been living in this time when God pours out his Spirit and his blessing on his people. What is the result of this? Unlike a tonne of God's people under the Old Covenant, God is changing, regenerating, and giving new life to people so that they will love his ways and walk in his truth.

So v. 44 is telling us that in this era of God's story in the world, we should expect to see godliness spreading like weeds. This is not a drought. What we see are the powers of darkness dealing with an out of control garden. These are healthy willows being watered by flowing streams. Jesus Christ is on the move. Expect to see it. Don't be surprised. Smile as the secularists are puzzled as to why Christianity is still here 2000 years later. Expect growth. Enjoy stats like these from Frontier Partners International:

— "The international missionary force has grown from 62,000 in 1900 to a projected 445,000 in 2024, with expectations of reaching 600,000 by 2050."

— "Africa, in particular, has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from having less than 10 million Christians at the turn of the 20th century to now being home to 734 million Christians, growing at a rate of 2.64 percent. By 2050, Africa is projected to host more Christians the Asian and Latin America combined.

— "Within Christianity, certain denominations are witnessing even more rapid expansion. Notably, Protestants (1.63 percent), independents (1.96 percent), evangelicals (1.66 percent), and Pentecostal/charismatics (1.48 percent) are identified as the fastest-growing groups, showcasing the diverse nature of the faith’s evolution."

In next verse, Isaiah tells us exactly how this will look:

"This one will say, ‘I am the Lord’s,’ another will call on the name of Jacob, and another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and name himself by the name of Israel" (Is 44:5).

So the pouring out of the Spirit results in conversions popping up all over the place, even here. What does this mean for you? It means you should have a crack at sharing the good news with somebody. You live in the time period that Isaiah is speaking of, and so it's a very plausible thing that people in Tauranga will turn to God. Try it out: Jesus is pouring out his Spirit.

Be intentional. Speak up. Form relationships. Show some hospitality. Take opportunities. Meet your neighbours. Be a missionary to Tauranga.

Ps Phil Brown