The Former Rain, And The Latter Rain

In Israel, the “former” rains fell around Fall to replenish the soil for the next planting season. The “latter” rains fell around Spring time to ensure that the harvest would be bountiful. God also promised to restore everything that were lost on the land (v. 25)! He controls everything (Isa 46:10), including the rain (Mt 5:45). When Elijah prayed (1 Ki 17:1), God stopped the rain for three years and six months. Then “he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain” (Jms 5:18).

 Elijah is most likely one of the “two witnesses” (Rev 11:3), during the Tribulation period who will have the power to stop the rain (Rev 11:6). Then during the Millennial reign of Christ (Rev 20:6), God will bring the rain “in the first month,” to restore the earth’s moisture. Many environmental activists today are rallying about climate change and pushing governments to be responsible in preventing global warming. Recently, Pope Leo XIV blessed a block of melting ice during a Climate conference in Rome. A news article states that it was “a sign of the urgency of the climate crisis, marked by the hope carried through the Pope’s blessing.”

But according to AFP Fact Check, “A 2024 research paper in the journal Nature found no statistically detectable surge in the global warming rate since the 1970s.” A 2017 Science article also states that some NOAA scientists manipulated climate records! During Noah’s days (Gen 6:17), the flood had nothing to do with climate change and everything to do with “the wickedness of man” (Gen 6:5). Now is a “high time to awake” (Rom 13:11), for all bible-believing Christians to pray (2 Chr 7:14), and ask God to rain upon us His powerful and Holy Spirit filled revival (Ps 85:6). This is our only hope for our families, our communities, our churches, and our nation! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera