Early and Latter Rains

“Fear not, you beasts of the field,
    for the pastures of the wilderness are green;
the tree bears its fruit;
    the fig tree and vine give their full yield.

“Be glad, O children of Zion,
    and rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given the early rain for your vindication;
    he has poured down for you abundant rain,
    the early and the latter rain, as before.

“The threshing floors shall be full of grain;
    the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
I will restore to you the years
    that the swarming locust has eaten,
the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,
    my great army, which I sent among you.

“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
    and praise the name of the Lord your God,
    who has dealt wondrously with you.
And my people shall never again be put to shame.
You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,
    and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else.
And my people shall never again be put to shame.” Joel 2:22-27

It was a time of natural and national disaster, a locust plague having destroyed crops and subsequent production of both grain and wine. Not only were people and livestock in dire want, but there was no produce with which the priests could make offerings to the Lord. God’s judgment has a way of doing away with our ideas of both supply and appeasement. The heavenly message was a common one: Do not fear, look to the Lord, return to me with all your heart. (Joel 1:4-12,16-18; 2:12-14)

In pressing times of uncertainty and horror, the promises of the God flow like rain, dropping and enriching hope all through life here below. His word gushes forth with the claim of His sovereign rule over history, over early and latter rains of turmoil in the nations and peace among people. His judgment is just and sure, and He rules from beginning to end. (Job 38:12-14,25-27; Psalm 98:9; Isaiah 46:8-10; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:13)

More personally, Christ’s crimson blood spills forth to wash with eternal vindication, then mercy issues into our waste and shame to renew. Torrents of love overwhelm fear and isolation, and His generosity infuses and nourishes soul soil to bear fruit. His gentle grace permeates to sustain, His power soaks sufficient for every trouble and temptation. (Lamentations 3:22-23; Romans 3:23-25; 1 John 1:9; 2:2)

Our seasons change, and we can turn to the Lord for early and latter rain. When convicted of sin, we seek His ministry of cleansing and making all things new. When we desire to think rightly about issues or are unable to discern how to pray, Jesus lets fall His wisdom. When overwhelmed with world political events or natural disasters in personal health or large scale calamities, we can trust that He rules the storms and slakes our soul thirst through every one. (2 Corinthians 5:17; James 1:5)

Do we find ourselves anxious over small and large concerns? Where do we go for supply or satisfaction? Would we come to the One in our midst, humbly expressing our every need, to soak and drink?

Lord, for Your abundant rains and Your wondrous dealings, keep me ever thankful.