Righteous Like Rain

[In one of the wettest Februarys in recent memory, a reflection on the book of Romans.]

In parched land, dry straits

Paul opens the floodgates

Israel finds the first spring

Come thou fount all nations sing

Faithful father Abraham’s kin

Not known by cut skin

His children find their start

As ones cut to the heart

Law condemns sin to death

Flame burns sucking breath

Drought and fire blacken lands

Black hearts, black feet, black hands

Adam’s blaze consumed all

Second Adam’s rain rights Fall

Washed clean from scab and ash

Scars healed as waters splash

In newness of life we gleam

Saturated in righteous steam

Unsoiled hearts do not wick

Water seeps deep and thick

Baptized with Christ we die

Raised in life to sin defy

Born of water, born of wind

Born no longer slave to sin

Spirit streams none can see

But moisture is reality

Outside the world may burn

Inside dew of Spirit churns

Water nourishes and grows

Hidden Spirit tempest blows

Liquid grace changes cognition

Law fulfilled in Christ’s mission

Grace showers never dry

Righteous rain God supplies

Until the end when we will reign

Forever wet no sin no stain

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