Asking for the rain
Ask the Lord for rain In the time of the latter rain.The Lord will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone. Zechariah 10:1
In the Bible, "former rains" and "latter rains" refer to seasons rains in ancient Israel for agriculture. The former rains would occur in October-November, and they were important for germination and growth of seeds. The latter rains fell around March-April, and it helped crops mature and harvest.
In both the old and new testaments, former and latter rain are mentioned. In the book of Joel, "latter rain" is often regarded as an end-time revival before the Second coming of Christ. Similarly, "former rain" symbolizes the initial of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts. Thus, the "rains" symbolise spiritual awakening, renewal, and God's provision and blessings.
How do we prepare for the rains to come as believers? I believe individuals can experience both former and latter rain in their spiritual journeys. Jesus uses soil to represent the hearts of men, similar to the agricultural principle that if no crops, there will be no harvest. We cultivate our hearts and loose the soil to receive the former rain, which is like our born again experience, where we allow the Holy Spirit to rain down so that the seeds germinate and grow. As a result of the former rain, the seeds take root and the soil moistens.
It is a continuous process, just as our spiritual journey goes through a cycle of sowing and reaping. Our soil requires tending during planting and harvesting, with the latter rain symbolizing spiritual maturity, flourishing our crops for harvesting that bear spiritual fruit.
While some of us wait for the former rains to tenderize our hearts, others are anticipating the latter rains, preparing for a time of great revival and harvest. No matter what season it is, our hearts are like soil, and they need to be tended to. Embrace the seed of truth and the nourishment of the Holy Spirit with an open heart. Expect a harvest of righteousness to come with the rain.
Blessing prayer: We come before the Lord with an expectant heart and ask for the rain in due season. We are open to the word and the Holy Spirit's outpouring like the rain. In Jesus’ name, Amen
