The former and latter rains

The former and latter rains

Scripture: Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest Jeremiah 5:24

Observation:- In Jeremiah Chapter 5, we see that one of the Lord’s rebuke of His people was that they did not fear the Lord who gave them both the former and the latter rains in His season. Now, regarding the former and latter rains, they refer to the two main rainy seasons in Israel each year. The former rain at the end of spring was for the harvest of grain, and the latter rain at the end of autumn was for fruit. As there was no rain in summer, these two rains were crucial for Israel for harvest. Without these rains, there would be drought and a very difficult time for the people indeed.

For us too, there are different seasons in our lives. There are seasons where we enjoy rain and harvest. There are seasons where we have to wait and be patient while waiting for our fruit to grow. The people of Israel took God’s sun and rain for granted and turned away from God. For us, it is important to recognize and be aware that all blessings come from God, even the blessings that we do not deserve. Jesus said that our Father in Heaven causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous in Matthew 5:45. In good seasons, when we are blessed, we should be thankful to God and appreciate all He gives us. In not so good seasons, we need to continue to seek Him and trust Him and wait patiently for the latter rain, the blessings that He will give according to His timing.

Symbolically, the picture of God pouring out His Spirit on us is likened to rain. As prophesied through the prophet Joel, since God first poured out His Spirit at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has continued to move mightily  in various times and places, bringing revival to diverse nations.

Individually, some of us perhaps remember a time when we were really on fire for God, but over time, perhaps we have grown cold and less passionate. That initial time could be for us like the former rain, but in these last days, as we seek God, He may send upon us His latter rain, a new drive and passion to serve Him and seek the lost as He pours out His Spirit upon us and inspires and empowers us to do more for His glory that we could ever hope for or imagine.

Application:- Be aware that there are seasons of blessing and seasons of testing, but no matter what, always praise God and trust in Him. Ask our Father in Heaven to pour forth more and more of His Spirit upon us, like rain.

Prayer: Father Lord, I thank You that You make all things beautiful in Your time. Strengthen me O Lord. In good seasons and difficult seasons, let me always revere Your name. Fill me, Father in Heaven, with more and more of Your Holy Spirit, like rain. In Jesus name, Amen.