The Fragrance of Rain

Photo by Mark Scantling, a few miles from our home in Happy

Mark Scantling Artist and Photographer 

Twice this morning I found myself thinking on rain and the fragrance it leaves behind.  I've learned that when there's a reoccurring theme in my thoughts and devotional time it means something....so here I write it down.

 
It rained this morning....while it was still dark outside.  I was awakened by thunder and then came that gentle pattering on the roof and through the trees.  I thanked the Lord and fell back to sleep, but it was the first thing  I thought of when I woke up after daylight. Where I live in the dry Texas Panhandle rain is an event, so I couldn't wait to look outside.
  

Shining puddles on the driveway, sidewalks, and in the street gutters... that's how I measure the rainfall. But my scientific husband will ask me today how much was in the rain gauge when he arrives home from an out-of-town trip. I'll let him check--it won't be much.

But the clean fresh aroma of the rain still lingered in the air.

Later I read this prayer, from Praying God's Word, by Beth Moore

"I thank You, my God, who always leads me in triumphal procession in Christ and through me desires to spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.  For You have called me to be the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."  (2 Cor. 2:14-15 NIV)

We all know the fragrance of the rain that falls from the sky onto this ground where we live.  But do we recognize the aroma of Christ, the fragrance of the knowledge of Him?
  

Can mere words describe the essence of the fragrance of Christ on our lives...

...the mystery of the miraculous that makes us smell like Jesus? 

As I walk through this life of mine, I wonder how often I leave behind a lingering "fragrance" of the knowledge of Christ...

This heavenly concoction of aromas must only come as we live and begin to look like Jesus...it must rise up from the same holiness and purity of God in the flesh...a son...a man, devoted to His Father's will and purpose as He came down from heaven and humbly walked His way to the Cross to redeem the rest of us, merely "men".  Add to pureness of purpose the "sweet smell of  victory" when we, like He, triumph over our flesh and walk away from the temptations of evil in our world. And let us not forget the fragrance of the fruit of the Spirit that is offered in abundance and empowers us to manifest His gifts of ministry to each other...

"Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God......He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them...." Hebrews 6:7-10

In the Texas Panhandle we don't get rain often.  But the writer of Hebrews lets us know that there is a rain that will fall often on the land--and the land turns out to be His people.  I think this Holy Rain is possibly divine wisdom, knowledge, discernment, revelation of the Word of God or voice of God, inspired and illumined by the Spirit of God.  The Holy Rain produces a useful crop--reminds me of His Word that never returns "void" of its purpose.  And what is "useful" in God's kingdom?  Is it that which meets a need, brings health, vigor, restoration, encouragement, and "new life" to those "for whom it is farmed"?  Crops that don't burn up....but withstand the test of fire...eternal crops meant for specific people? (1 Cor. 3:13, Heb:6:7)

"Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you." Hosea 10:12 (NAS)

I can only imagine the fragrance that will greet us in Heaven....the pure and full aroma of the "Rain of Righteousness" of Christ and His followers......