“The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isa. 55:12).
We know that the earth we live in can respond to the kind of treatment we give it. In Genesis 4:10, the blood of Abel (recently murdered) cried out from the ground on which it had been spilled.
The Red Sea parted to allow the children of Israel to march through to safety. When Solomon was dedicated and anointed king, the very ground on which he was standing shook by reason of the occasion.
In Revelation 12:16 we read in symbolic language that during future times, the earth will help the woman and will swallow the flood of persecution that comes forth from the mouth of the dragon.
Scripture also tells us that the earth is affected by the sin and depravity of humanity. Paul writes that the whole creation groans and travails under the burden of mankind’s fallen state (Rom. 8:21-22).
In this verse, the prophet says that mountains and hills will “break forth into singing” and the trees of the field will “clap their hands.” The earth responds favorably to the proclamation of the Good News.
Mountains and hills are symbolic of permanence and strength. All of life is not quicksand, barren wilderness, or dry desert; some of it is tree covered. Trees represent growth, beauty, and fruitfulness. Even the mountains and trees will rejoice at our coming to announce the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Can you imagine what kind of desolate wasteland this world would be without the Gospel or its messengers?
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.