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Edgar Moyana Christian Entertainment
Michael Smith, an American gospel artiste who last performed in Harare in August 2012, is one artiste whose music captures the heart and soul of a believer judging by the depth of meaning of many of his songs. Of particular interest, however, are two of his songs which focus on the theme of rain. These are “Healing Rain” and “Let it Rain”.

These songs are tasteful, very poetic and meaningful. Their theme is so intellectually engaging such that one hardly forgets their message once having listened to them.

Looking at “Healing Rain” for example, Smith celebrates the coming of rain to his “old town” or earth which he describes as having healing qualities capable of washing away “tears of pain and joy” from all humanity.

This rain, which represents God’s spirit, has an element of God’s undivided love as it falls on all earth. It brings with it hope especially to a generation of sinners wearied by years of pain and suffering.

Its coming had long been expected and its eventual falling animates life everywhere. The most important point to note, however, about the falling of this healing rain is that God’s promises are sure.

Smith’s healing rain borrows from the Bible’s concept of latter rain which is commonly associated with the worldwide outpouring of the God’s Holy Spirit before Christ’s second return to earth.

Referring to this latter rain the Bible in Acts 2:17-21, explains in more detail where God promises to pour His spirit on all humans in the last days.

Signs of this outpouring of God’s spirit will be seen vividly when children and ordinary people shall begin to prophesy while there will also be signs and wonders in heaven and on earth.

It continues in verse 21 where a promise of salvation is given to all those who will believe and trust in God. “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved”  (Acts 2:21 (KJV).

While physical pain will continue even when this latter rain has fallen, what is clear about the whole concept of outpouring of God’s spirit is that it prepares God’s people for Christ’s return by making them stronger or more resistant to influences of evil.

Continuation of physical pain will only be mere signs of fulfilment of prophecy on the second coming of Jesus to restore normalcy to life.
But since the outpouring of God’s spirit implies that God’s people will be gifted differently with some having the ability to heal diseases or cast out demons, there is additional comfort in the knowledge that God still has control and authority over every situation in life.
One way to understand Smith’s “Healing Rain” is to note that it talks of renewal hope in God’s promises. The tears of joy and pain he talks about are washed away by the fact that the Holy Spirit will continually guide God’s people and His power translates them to a higher level of existence.

In his song Smith implies that there will be an element of judgment when this healing rain falls on earth. In the phrase “ . . . it comes with fire” he suggests that the outpouring of God’s spirit brings with its judgment where the wicked are tried and will eventually be punished while those on the side of Christ are assured of a reward when Christ returns again.

“Healing rain, it comes with fire So let it fall and take us higher, Healing rain, I’m not afraid To be washed in Heaven’s rain” reads part of lyrics to the song.

In his other song “Let it Rain”, Smith describes rain as symbolising the blessing of God’s Holy Spirit poured out from the floodgates of heaven upon the earth.

“The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad. Let the distant shores rejoice . . . A fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every throne” reads lyrics to this song.

The objects of His power such as thick darkness, clouds, fire, lightning and earthquake attend God’s presence. These are outward manifestations of His power which are experienced by all humanity at the time of Christ’s return, after His spirit had already been poured out on earth.

Now as the year draws to an end the world continues to be consciously aware of the painful effects of sin. It should therefore be everyone prayer for healing rain to fall on their lives and by it receive hope of an expected future in Christ.

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