Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waited for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receives the early and latter rain.”
James 5:7
The early and latter rain are two time periods for the growth of the seeds that are sown in the ground. In Israel the early rain comes in the fall while the latter rain comes in the spring. Rain is needed to water the seed that was sown. Water is needed to germinate the seed for growth. It is also needed to soften the hard shell of the seed. The early and latter rain speaks to the Holy Spirit as rivers of living water as is stated in the following scripture.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
John 7:38
In the very next verse of John chapter seven, we are given what the flow of the rivers of living water is. It is the Holy Spirit whom those who believe should receive. They were to receive the Spirit after Jesus had been glorified. Jesus was glorified after his ascension into heaven. When the Holy Spirit came upon those who waited, the promise of the Holy Spirit was outpoured among them to where they prophesied. They spoke in another language about the wonderful works of God. Just look at Acts chapter five, verses 31-32.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”
Acts 5:31-32
The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey the Lord God. The Spirit was to be poured out upon all flesh as it was promised by Jesus. In Joel chapter 2, verse 28, and in Ezekiel chapter 36, verses 26-27, the Holy Spirit is the rain that comes down to water the seed sown in people’s heart. The Holy Spirit softens the hearts of man to hear the truth of the Gospel of Christ. We are under the dispensation of grace where the Gospel of the kingdom is being preached around the world for a witness to all nations [see Matthew 24:14]. All prophecies must be fulfilled as was promised in the Old and New Testament. The miracles and the gifts of the Spirit have not ceased, for those who believe have not yet been raptured. It is people’s unbelief that has stopped the Spirit from moving within the church. Unbelief weakens the church and robs it of the power we have through Jesus Christ, who gave us the promised of the Spirit.
The early rain started after the resurrection and ascension of Christ. It started in the early church, when those were waiting and praying in one accord in Jerusalem, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings conviction into the hearts of man of any wrongdoing. The Holy Spirit will teach us what we need to know for he is the Spirit of truth that will show you things to come [see John 16:13]. We ask in faith and receive in faith the promise of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps our conscience to come clean before God.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”
Ephesians 4:11
I hear that some do not believe in miracles, healing or in prophetic revelation. The theology of Cessationism may be alive and well to distract us from the truth of the Gospel of Christ. However, just know that “God is not dead, He is alive.” God is perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ as is stated in Ephesians chapter four, verses twelve. Who was it that ascended up on high and led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men? Was it not Christ? Yes, it was Christ who gives gifts to men to edify the body of Christ. That is why we still have apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
Ephesians 4:30
We are not to grieve the Holy Spirit whereby we are sealed unto the day of redemption, yet that is what the church has done. We wonder why revival rain has not come. We shut out the Holy Spirit and create counter parts for trying to achieve services within a boxed time period. We forget that God’s time is not our time.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time and a purpose under heaven and the operations of the Holy Spirit has not yet ceased. The latter rain is coming as was prophesied in Joel 2:23.
“Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.”
Joel 2:23
Wow! Did I miss it? There is to come down the former and latter rain in the first month. This is something to meditate upon. Be ready to receive the Holy spirit and grow into the image of Christ. Ask in prayer and receive the rain, the Holy Spirit, the early and latter rain.