38.
If the promises of the Lord which pertain to nature have their conditions which must be met. How much more are there requirements for their spiritual fulfillment. In order to have consist rain which would produce their crops, it was necessary that Israel, hear very plainly and with understanding the words of the voice of the Lord. They were to be very attentive to His commandments and incorporate them into their daily life.
Then they would become a great nation. Wealthier and more powerful than any other. Deut. 28:1 In so doing, they would acquire access to the treasure house of the Lord. They would be blessed of the Lord with seasons of the year which were stable and trustworthy. Consequently they would be the head of all nations. Deut. 28:12-14 Remain in constant contact with the Word and follow it to be blessed of the Lord.
To please the Lord, to be in His very special favor, is like a cloud of the latter rain, the rain of spring, a rain of awakening and life. Doing that which pleases Him will bring the moving of the Spirit in to our lives. Prov. 16:15 The later rain, in the beginning of the year, came after the fall crops had been harvested and prepared the land for planting. It was in the beginning of the year, therefore is typical of the day of Pentecost and the introduction of the Holy Spirit to the church. Acts 2:1-4 The former rain came in the fall of the year and represents the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last century. The beginning of a mighty move of the Lord which has, and continues to sweep the world with the gospel message. It was the harvest rain, bringing the crops to their maturity. As long as Israel walked with the Lord they were assured that there would be rain in the proper seasons and the consequences of that rain, would be an assured harvest.
Deut. 11:14
Here is an amazing promise. It is bringing to us a message of a last day revival. A move of the Spirit unequaled in the history of the church. The Lord has promised a rain which will be, in volume, equal to the two normal periods of rain. He will combine the two and send them in the first month. Joel 2:23 The first month is the month of beginnings. Ex. 12:2 It was the month of the Passover. The Passover is celebrated in the church in the taking of Communion. There is yet to come a much deeper appreciation of the Communion table. It is not to be a ritual. It is a living and life giving factor in the life of the church. Is it not the communion of the blood and body of Christ. 1 Cor. 10:16 Communion, Greek, koinonia, partnership, fellowship, participation or the communication of the body and the blood of Christ. It is the link, the coupling together of Christ and His church, made possible by His body and His blood. We are to be one with Him. Flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone. Eph. 5:30 Now, ye are the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12:27 He has yet to reveal the glory and majesty of that glorious church, but He will, and that right soon.