“Ground that drinks up the rain falling on it repeatedly, and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.”
Hebrews 6:7
As I write this message, we have probably experienced one of the rainiest springs that I can recall for a long time. It is however, wonderful to drive past Lake Redman and see the water brimming up and over the shoreline for a change. Indeed, the ground that was so very dry last fall is repeatedly drinking up and absorbing as much rain, as it will hold, hopefully penetrating down to the water table to restore it as well.
A steady, gentle rain is necessary for the ground to “drink up the rain.” It is that same steady, repeated reminder of our baptism into Christ Jesus that enables us to bear fruit. Through the water of baptism, Paul writes, “He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3: 4-7)
As faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, like a gentle rain falling down upon us to provide life upon barren soil, God’s grace rains down upon us anew every morning. We love because he first loved us (I John 4.19) and we forgive one another, as God in Christ has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32). Just as we have been told we need to drink several glasses of water each day to stay healthy, we need to drink up God’s love and forgiveness so that we can bear the fruits God intends and so cultivate God’s world to bring healing, renewal, reconciliation, and peace.
May you be a blessing to others as God has blessed you.
Pastor Cathy