Bible Commentaries

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!