1.
Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.
THE GIVER OF REVIVAL
‘Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain … so the Lord shall give showers.’
Zechariah 10:1
I. The giver of revival.—‘Ask of the Lord rain.’ Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? Or can the heathen give showers. Art not Thou He, O Lord our God? Therefore we will wait upon Thee. With God is the residue of the Spirit, and He giveth not the Holy Spirit by measure. Master of the tides, the seasons, and the winds is He. He sendeth the springs into the valleys which run among the hills. He watereth the hills from His chambers; He sends forth His Spirit and renews the face of the earth. These are but parts of His ways—His ways in nature; but how much more is He the Giver of reviving showers in the spiritual realm?
II The time of revival.—The latter rain is needed to swell the corn. Without it the earth would not be able to yield her harvests in the vineyards and the fields. God is pledged therefore to provide for the works of His hands. Long observation has taught the Oriental that rain will come at a certain season of the year, because otherwise his operations must become abortive. What then shall we say of God’s work in His Church? May we not count on it? And when we have reached a certain point, and all our operations are at a standstill for want of His help, may we not turn to Him and say, ‘This is surely the time of the latter rain; we are trusting Thee not to fail!’
III. The instrumental means of revival.—‘Ask.’ The Lord will be inquired of for these things. The law of prayer must be called into operation. If only we could bring the whole Church to her knees, there would be no doubt as to the descending showers. If this age is near its close, may we not expect a Pentecost at the latter as at the former end? Ask the Lord for it!
2.
For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.
3.
Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.
4.
Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.
5.
And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.
6.
And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.
7.
And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.
8.
I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.
9.
And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.
10.
I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Labanon; and place shall not be found for them.
11.
And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.
12.
And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.