Rain At Last in the Land

The tourists (pilgrims) are scurrying around to find additional rain-gear. The temperature is in the fifties, and there is a heavy rain with fog. What a beautiful day!

Rain has returned to the land. There has been little rain in December and early January. All the people of the land are thanking God.

While the weather today is unpleasant for the tourists, it is life-giving to the land and its people. All are looking to the Source for more rain.

The Bible speaks of the "early rain" and the "latter rain." The early rain comes in October and November. It is needed as the ground is broken and seed planted. Then in March and April, the latter rain is required to determine the quality and extent of the harvest.

From December to February, the most plentiful rain falls to insure a harvest. I guess you would call this the "middle rain." I am told that Jerusalem receives as much rain as London, except over a fifty-day period. London receives its rain over a three hundred-day span. Therefore, you can see how important it is to receive rain now.

With water so important, little wonder that Jesus spoke of the "living water" God gives. In fact, throughout the Bible, water is a metaphor or image for God and God's provision.

Today, I celebrate the return of rain to the land and thank God. You will not hear me say: "Rain, rain, go away..."