Spring Rain

Hosea 6:3
“So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord
His going forth is as certain as the dawn;
And He will come to us like the rain,
Like the spring rain watering the earth.”

Zech 10:1
Ask rain from the Lord at the time of the spring rain—
The Lord who makes the storm clouds;
And He will give them showers of rain, vegetation
in the field to each man.

James 5:7
So be patient until the coming of the Lord.
See how the farmer waits expectantly for the precious harvest from the land. See how he keeps up his patient vigil over it until it receives the early and late rains.

Weymouth: Be patient….Notice how eagerly a farmer waits for a valuable crop! He is patient over it till it has received the early and latter rains.

In reading the above, Father, you remind me of having patience. Here it is speaking of knowing and believing that Jesus is returning….so be patient for that.

The early and latter rains are the March and April rains which mature the crops of Palestine.

Hosea speaks to our hearts that as sure as the dawn will come, Our God will come to us….like rain watering the earth.
How does rain water the earth? The rain on the earth enables the seed planted to” bear and sprout (Is 55:10), to furnish seed to the sower and bread to the eater...”

In thinking of your encouraging us to have patience until Jesus returns, that same patience is necessary when we sow your word. Your Word will bring forth a valuable crop to Your Kingdom. Just like it says in Is 55, it will not return void, it will accomplish what you sent it out to do.

It is interesting that the thought comes to my mind that it is a two way street. The early and latter rains mature the crops of Palestine.

The sower and the harvest are both changed by your word. It will not only go out and bring to maturity your purpose, but it will also mature us as we wait in faith expectantly to see the harvest.

Your Holy Spirit has perfect patience and He indwells us. We already have the patience in Him to believe Your Word and to wait.
We do not have to become dry, discouraged, or frustrated when we allow Your Truth to have its perfect way in our heart no matter what we see, hear, or feel. We are the sowers and You are the one that brings forth the harvest. You alone are God!

The other thought that came to mind is that Hosea clearly speaks of Your coming to us like the “spring rain”. Spring rain is so wonderfully refreshing, its fragrance in the air is life giving to us as well as the earth.

Rain restores the wilted flowers and it will restore our soul unto Your presence. You are a life-giving Spirit (1 Cor 15:45). “Ask at the time of the spring rain….” For N.T. believers the time of spring rain is ever present for us.

Thank You, Father for the spring rain that comes in the power of Your love to refresh and restore my heart.