He shall come down like rain upon mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In His days the righteous shall flourish. (Psalm 72:6-7)
For those of us who love to mow the lawn, you know that it’s always best to get the grass cut before the rain comes in. For starters, it cuts better. More importantly, the rain that falls upon the freshly mown grass is especially beneficial because the moisture can better penetrate the earth, thus watering the roots. Not only that, but the tips of cut grass soak up the water provoking the lawn to look vibrant and healthy. This imagery is what David used to explain the benefits of the king’s words when he speaks to those eager to be guided in the ways of righteousness.
Of course, the king in this case is THE King, the Messiah whose words are life. As Peter said to Yeshua, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). So when our hearts are as fertile soil, broken up and thirsty to receive Heaven’s guidance, His words — even those that are intended for rebuke and reproof — penetrate our life and allow good things to grow. As is is written, “Let my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, as raindrops on the tender herb, and as showers on the grass” (Deuteronomy 32:2).
The last point David makes in this verse is that the people of God thrive in unprecedented fashion when they are guided by truth and wisdom. This was, in fact, realized to a degree in the days of Solomon; the Bible says, “Israel was as numerous as the sand by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and rejoicing” (1 Kings 4:20), because God gave them “rest on every side; there was neither adversary nor evil occurrence” (1 Kings 5:4).
This was but a foreshadowing of how things will be when the Messiah rules the nations from Jerusalem. Not only will there be an abundance of material prosperity in the earth, but there will be an over abundance of spiritual growth — truth, understanding and holiness. As David said, in that day, the righteous shall flourish; Messiah said the sons of the Kingdom will “shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). This is what we have to look forward to, but in the meantime, we can flourish right now if our hearts are receptive to God’s Word and Wisdom. So then, may His Word come down upon your life as rain, and as the dew that waters the tender grass. And may you “prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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