Spring Rains

 

Ask rain from the LORD in the season of the spring rain, from the LORD who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field. For the household gods gutter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd. “My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle. From him shall come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler—all of them together. They shall be like mighty men in battle, trampling the foe in the mud of the streets; they shall fight because the LORD is with them, and they shall put to shame the riders on horses. (Zechariah 10:1-5 ESV).

 

It has been quite a week of weather. We typically watch a news channel each day for the forecast and one of their catchphrases when extreme weather is a part of the forecast is “weather aware.” Mary and I are amused with one of the meteorologists who seems to get especially animated with each of these potential storms. Personally, I am never excited about thunderstorms, hail, or tornados. There are many references in the Scripture to the destructive power of storms and how sometimes God uses storms to bring judgment. But many other texts describe storms as bringing blessings, especially in the rains that water the land.

 

Just as today, regular rainfall was essential for ancient cultures with limited irrigation systems. When Jacob sent his sons from Canaan to buy food in Egypt (cf. Genesis 42), it was impossible to grow food where they were. They needed rain for their crops, but instead they had a massive famine. It is difficult to imagine that kind of need, however that was the norm of that time and place. Even today we see in some parts of the world where access to clean water is essential for survival.

 

Zechariah reminded God’s people that the Lord is the source of rain. Zechariah’s prophecies were pastoral, emphasizing that God is at work in nature and is the source of the people’s power. We all need to ask God for his blessing and to live lives that reflect the source of that blessing. At that time, the people were rebuilding the temple of God in Jerusalem, so Zechariah reminded them that God calls everyone to turn away from sin and to serve him in faith. The closing chapters of Zechariah begin pointing to the coming Messiah (Jesus Christ), the Savior. Not only does the Lord provide rain for everyone, but in the coming kingdom God will provide all that everyone will need. It is an encouraging reminder in our troubles today.