God’s word will not return empty.
I know the language of prophecy is very specific, and the language of the Word in reference to Christ is very specific. The Faithlife Study Bible does not make a connection between this passage and Christ as the Word of God. Therefore, I want to make it very clear that my reflection today is my own. It is NOT based on language. It is NOT based on scholarly opinion. It is NOT based on any tradition I am aware of.
That said, as I read this passage, that is what I thought about. God word created everything: the universe, the laws of nature, every plant, animal, or mineral. Everything. God’s Word became flesh and dwelt among us. God’s Word, Christ, came into our world and accomplished what he came to accomplish, and he did not return empty. He set out to conquer death and provide redemption, and that’s exactly what he did.
Scripture, as God’s word, has been sent out to gather us in, to offer us the road map to redemption and victory. It will do that just that.
(Just remember that God never promised to fix everything, heal everyone, or make you happy. He promised to fix everything eventually, heal everyone eventually, and to give you peace. He promised to provide your needs, which he just may define slightly differently than you. He also promised that we would all have a choice. It’s important to keep perspective when discussing his promises and power.)