On my last post we looked to the importance the Scripture gives to the dew coming down from heaven. In what follows we will consider some necessary conditions to experience the benefits of that heavenly blessing. As we are about to see, these conditions will be reminiscent to those required in the natural world, for both, the natural and the spiritual, are governed by similar principles.
The open heavens
One of the most basic conditions for dew to form on the material world is an open sky. A close sky, i.e., a cloudy sky, will generally impede the process. There are different factors why it is so, but so it is and the rule is nearly absolute.
Some might say: If there are clouds we don’t need dew since it might rain. The problem with this approach resides in the word “might”, for there are clouds without water, as the stratus clouds or the altocumulus. Therefore in such conditions we are left with neither dew nor rain. It follows that if these conditions persist for too long, everything begins to dry up and nothing can really thrive.
Spiritually speaking it is the same. There are clouds and clouds. Some contain rain and others don’t. Jude refers to such clouds when he writes:
These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots” (Jude 1:12).
For instance, the clouds produced by a disobedient heart carry no water. They only close the heavens and hamper the blessing to actualize. In contrast, the clouds of tribulations and trials, among others, are loaded with blessings. No wonder Paul gloried in tribulation (Rom. 5:3) and James counted it all joy when he fell into various trials (James 1:2). These saints of old had understood that these favorable clouds, which might appear hostile at first, carry prolific blessings. They could be compared to the altostratus or the nimbostratus clouds.
Praying with a clean heart
There is an interesting scripture in the gospel of Luke apt to encourage and challenge us. It reads:
When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened.” (Luke 3:21)
This verse attests that the heaven was opened while Jesus was praying; and Matthew adds: “The heavens were opened to Him” (Matt. 3:16). The person who prays with a clean heart has the potential to open the heavens, and more specifically, to open them to himself. They might not be opened to others, but to him they will be opened. Such a heart experiences the benefits of the vivifying dew and stays green even in time of drought, and this, until the Father appoints divine rain.
The wind
Another factor that neutralizes the dew is the wind. It does it in two ways, viz. in interfering with its formation, or in drying it as soon as it forms. What is true in the natural realm is also true in the spiritual. Without inner quietude the heavenly dew will bring little or no benefit to the soul. The blessing will evaporate quickly under the adverse effect of restlessness, for restlessness can be compared to a blustery wind invading the soul, which can rob us of heavenly benefits. As the seed of the word can be snatched away (Matt. 13:19), the heavenly dew can be wiped out by inordinate agitations. No wonder the Scripture says:
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
Quietness will help us to hear the voice, and it is the hearing of the voice that comes upon us as dew. For instance, the Pharisees were dwelling on parched ground because, among other things, the desire of fame was blowing on their heart as a mistral. The noise so produced impeded them to hear the divine voice and therefore to benefit from its dew. Jesus puts it in these words: “You have neither heard His voice at any time…” (John 5:37)
Beware of worldly winds, winds that can take the forms of mundane preoccupations or fussy ambitions, or worse perhaps, of arrogant pretentions. They often come in disguise, lurking around until the opportunity presents itself. From these ungodly winds the wise will hide behind the divine veil where the quiescent Presence sharpen the ear.
Conclusion
We have already seen that the dew comes discreetly and silently, exhibiting little showiness. Therefore, the person seeking sensational spectacles might walk away from the blessing, unconscious of the opportunity he has lost. But the genuine lover, the one used to pray in secret, will have his head covered with dew:
I sleep, but my heart is awake; it is the voice of my beloved! He knocks, saying, “Open for me, my sister, my love, My dove, my perfect one; for my head is covered with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.” (Song of Solomon 5:2)
This is our Beloved, dwelling under an open sky. That is precisely where He wants to lead us, to share with us the soft and gentle gift. This, more than anything, can revive us and make us fruitful.
Let us run in His meadows, looking to the Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16). For He is coming Who promises.
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