‘MVUA’ The Blessing of Receiving God’s Word
The song MVUA (Rain) by Kwaya Kuu Ya Mt. Sesilia Arusha beautifully reflects the spiritual truth of Matthew 13:8 and Luke 11:28, which teach that those who hear and keep God’s Word receive abundant blessings: growth in grace in this life and eternal blessedness in the life to come. The metaphor of rain, central to MVUA, illustrates how God’s Word nourishes the soul, much like rain revives the earth.
1. The Need for the Rain of God’s Word
Just as the earth requires rain throughout the year to avoid drying up and withering, our souls need the constant nourishment of God’s Word. MVUA evokes the imagery of rain as a life-giving force, reminding us of Israel’s plight during the three-and-a-half-year drought (1 Kings 17:1), where the absence of rain brought desolation. Similarly, communities without the Word of God suffer spiritual barrenness, even if they don’t realize it. Those blessed with access to this “heavenly rain” should be deeply grateful. Just as we thank God for rain that waters crops, we must praise Him even more for the Word that makes us fruitful for eternal life.
2. Drinking in the Rain
‘MVUA’ calls us to let God’s Word sink deeply into our hearts, not run off like water on rocky ground. Hardened hearts, steeped in sin, cannot absorb this rain, rendering even abundant preaching ineffective. At every sermon, we must receive the Word with openness, letting its teachings penetrate our souls. If the rain only reaches our ears and not our hearts, it brings little benefit. Like fertile soil soaking up a deep rain, we must allow God’s Word to transform us, fostering virtues that reflect His grace
3. Thirsting for the Word
Just as parched ground eagerly drinks in rain, only those who thirst for God’s Word can truly receive it. ‘MVUA’ emphasizes coming to each sermon with a longing soul, ready to absorb the life-giving rain of God’s truth. If our hearts are already “full” of worldly distractions or pride, the Word will pool on the surface, becoming stagnant and unfruitful. A thirsting spirit ensures we drink deeply, leading to salvation and spiritual growth.
4. Producing Abundant Fruit
The more rain the ground receives, the more fruit it should yield. Likewise, ‘MVUA’ reminds us that frequent exposure to God’s Word demands greater fruitfulness in good works. As Jesus said, “To whom much is given, of them much shall be required” (Luke 12:48). Communities blessed with regular preaching, like those in Arusha, bear a responsibility to reflect this abundance through lives of righteousness and service. The song urges us to respond to this spiritual rain with tangible acts of faith.
5. Fruit, Not Just Leaves
‘MVUA’ stresses that mere appearances, like leaves without fruit, are insufficient. The more we receive the Word, the more we must produce fruit that matches this blessing. Frequent “dressing” of the soul through preaching requires us to bear fruit—acts of love, obedience, and holiness—that honor God. Leaves of outward piety won’t suffice; God seeks the fruit of transformed lives.
‘MVUA’ inspires us to see God’s Word as life-giving rain, calling us to gratitude, receptivity, and fruitfulness. Are you thankful for the access you have to God’s Word? Do you approach each sermon with a thirsty heart, ready to drink in its truth? Or do you let it pass by, unchanged? As the song encourages, let the rain of God’s Word soak into your soul, producing abundant fruit for His glory. By hearing and keeping the Word, you align with the promise of Matthew 13:8, growing in grace now and receiving eternal blessedness hereafter.
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