Rain!​

by David G. Rose

​

    Living in Houston, Texas, we know about rain. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, some areas of Houston received approximately 50 inches (more than 4 feet) of rain, while Nederland, Texas, recorded 60.58 inches of rain!

    But beneficial rain is needed to grow crops and fill the reservoirs. The Bible will often refer to rain. Two notable verses are:
~ Matthew 5:45 ESV, “For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
~ Hebrews 6:7 ESV, “For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.”

    Of special interest today is Isaiah 55:10-11 KJV, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

    The Gospel of Christ can be compared to rain and snow. 

    1. As the rain cometh down, so the Gospel message comes to us from Heaven. John 1:14 ESV, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Like rain from Heaven, Jesus has come to save us.” All truth is Divine in it’s source, because God is the source of all truth. Jesus said in John 17:17 NLT, “Make them holy by your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth.”

    2. Watereth the earth. The Gospel produces a change in the human heart. The rain of the Gospel softens the stoney sinful heart, and makes it tender before the Lord. Isaiah 44:3 NLT, “For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children.”
    3. There are benefits to the Gospel rain. That it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater. The Gospel provides instruction, comfort, strength, and confidence. James 5:18 NLT, “The sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.”

    4. The results of the rain of the Gospel is, it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. The plans of God will be achieved. No man can stop Him. Zechariah 10:1 NLT, “Ask the LORD for rain in the spring, for He makes the storm clouds. And He will send showers of rain so every field becomes a lush pasture.”

    Pray for the rain from Heaven to fall on you, your family, your church, and your country. 

Next week: The Joy of Harvest
 

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