Latter Rain
The prophets Joel and Zechariah prophesied of a coming revival on the earth as one approached the last days. Zechariah declared: “Ask for rain from the Lord in the season of the spring, (latter), rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain”, (Zech. 10.1), and Joel prophesied: “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.” (Joel 2.23) The early rain comes at the time of planting and the latter rain comes before the harvest. Historically the early rain is interpreted to mean the Day of Pentecost and the latter rain is that which precedes the coming of the Lord.
The Lord uses nature to represent His work here on the earth. Rain symbolizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The seed, (Jesus), was sown into the ground and died, (crucifixion and burial), the plant sprung up, (resurrection), and the rain came down, (baptism of the Holy Spirit on the first believers). This occurred on the Day of Pentecost, which is the feast of the first fruits. As the branches spread out from the vine, the Gospel was preached in the whole world. Throughout history there have been a number of revivals that provided the rain necessary for the Church to grow and extend itself even more. Churches have been planted in every nation and the Gospel is preached in the whole world. But, God does not desire that any perish. He desires all men everywhere to be saved. So He will send yet another outpouring of His Spirit on all flesh. This is the Later Rain.
As early as the 1950s, many began to sense that the Church was rapidly approaching this season. There was a sense of revival in the air and a movement arose with the name, Latter Rain. Shortly after this, the Charismatic Renewal swept the globe. Millions were touched by this outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which resulted in multitudes saved and amazing church growth. Other more localized showers have occurred in recent years bringing revival to places like Toronto, Pensacola, Seoul and Bogota. In each outpouring, millions gathered to experience this rain and bring it back to their place of residence. In recent years, movements after movements have spread from place to place; all pointing toward a world-wide coming revival.
Once again God is moving on the hearts of the prophets to proclaim the coming of this end-time harvest. Bob Jones, in 1975, prophesied of a billion young people coming to Christ. Cindy Jacobs has prophesied recently of a major revival among the youth in Portugal. Other modern day prophets have sounded the trumpet of revival. The smell of rain is in the air. It is an exciting time to live. When you see the rain cloud forming, as did Elijah, everything else becomes less important. It is time to run. It is time to cast off every weight that drags us down and get the harvest in.
The Latter Rain brings with it frequent attacks of smiling, an overwhelming sense of appreciation, a loss of anxiety and interest in conflicts. Revival gives us the ability to enjoy each moment, to act spontaneously and to love without expecting anything in return. No need to strive; things just happen. Fear is overcome by an acute expectancy of God working on our behalf. Judging others and ourselves are a thing of the past. The rain washes all our hurts and insecurities away. Desire revival. Call out to the Lord: “Send Your rain, Lord. Send the Latter Rain”.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Mat. 24.14; John 15.1-8; Acts 2.1-4; II Peter 3.9; I Tim. 2.4; Joel 2.23, 28