We are a congregation that is resolved to make a mark for Christ in this world. We see the futility and folly all around us. And we want to see salvation spring up from the ground. We anticipate the budding forth of redemption. And this anticipation is biblically warranted. Isaiah says, “Let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation. And let righteousness spring up together” (Isaiah 45:8).
But we must remember what happens prior to the growth of wheat in the fields and grapes on the vine. And that is: rain from heaven. Just before Isaiah speaks of salvation springing forth from the earth, he says, “Drop down, ye heavens, from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness” (Isaiah 45:8).
Christ has ascended into heaven, and our salvation is in him. All blessing comes from the Father through the heavenly seated Son to us by the Spirit. God rains down righteousness upon us. He pours out grace upon grace. He rejoices over you with loud singing. Your job is to listen. Do you hear him? He is your Heavenly Father. So turn your ear up. He makes his face to shine upon you. So turn your face up and behold his glory without a veil. Lean back your heads, spread wide your arms, and receive the Father’s grace by faith.
C. S. Lewis once said, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next... Aim at heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.”