November 26

They will sprout among the grass like willows by flowing streams. — Isa 44:4 BSB

The Lord’s people are described here as "springing up" immediately under the influence of the water poured out and the floods given. The spiritual meaning of this figure is clear. In dry regions, where rain does not fall regularly as it does in our climate, the effect of abundant rain on parched vegetation is nearly miraculous. In just a few days, the landscape transforms, and vegetation springs up as if it had shot out of the very soil. This is the image in the text: "They shall spring up," meaning Zion’s children, "as among the grass," with a vibrant and active growth that demonstrates the power and blessing of God.

What should we understand by the term "grass"? We can interpret it as representing the flesh, in line with the prophet’s words: "All flesh is grass" (Isaiah 40:6). All the pride, pomp, and beauty of the flesh are like grass, for "all the glory of man is as the flower of grass" (1 Peter 1:24), which withers and fades when cut down. In this sense, we may see the children of God springing up among the people of the world, like flowers among the grass, adorning it with beauty. How blessed it is to witness God’s children emerging among the masses! There may have been a time when you were hidden beneath the grass—when, though a flower in God’s eyes, you were unnoticed, lying low among the common blades. But when the rain of heaven fell upon you, you sprang up, revealing yourself amid the crowded grass.