Hosea 6:3 declares, “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”

ABSTRACT

This article delves into God’s assurances of spiritual nourishment through symbolic rain, the essential readiness for the latter rain’s outpouring, the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence, duties toward God in faithful service, compassionate outreach to others, and the ultimate revelation of divine love preparing the community for Christ’s imminent return.

BLESSINGS POUR DOWN!

The Scriptures repeatedly reveal God’s promise to bless His people with spiritual showers, symbolized as rain, when they live in obedience and faithfulness. Leviticus 26:3–4 declares, “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” This promise is conditional upon obedience, illustrating God’s desire to nurture and sustain His people both physically and spiritually. Similarly, Deuteronomy 11:13–14 promises, “And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain.” Ellen G. White connects this imagery of rain to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, stating, “As the ‘former rain’ was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of the precious seed, so the ‘latter rain’ will be given at its close, for the ripening of the harvest” (The Great Controversy, p. 611). The early rain represents the work of the Holy Spirit during the time of the apostles, enabling the rapid spread of the gospel. The latter rain signifies a final outpouring of the Spirit, which prepares God’s people for Christ’s return. Scripture further illustrates this with Isaiah 44:3, “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring,” and Hosea 10:12, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Ellen G. White expands on this, affirming, “The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the former rain, and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 21, 1904), and “The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 506, 1923). This dual imagery reveals God’s love and provision, showing His ongoing commitment to prepare His people for spiritual growth and harvest. What steps must we take to ready ourselves for this divine outpouring?

READY FOR THE RAIN!

The latter rain will fall only upon those who are spiritually prepared, emphasizing the importance of watchfulness, purity, and faith. Luke 12:35–40 instructs us to be vigilant, stating, “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord.” Jesus expressed His deep desire to complete His mission, as seen in Luke 12:50: “But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!” and Matthew 20:23: “Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with.” These verses highlight the need for personal sacrifice and readiness for trials as a preparation for God’s outpouring. Sr. White expands this concept, stating, “Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 214). She also affirms, “Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, will have the seal of the living God” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 216). Preparation requires reflection of Christ’s character and complete surrender to God’s refining process. Ephesians 4:30 urges, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption,” while Revelation 7:3 warns, “Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Sr. White emphasizes, “Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully” (Early Writings, p. 71, 1882), and “It is our work today to yield our souls to Christ, that we may be fitted for the time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord—fitted for the baptism of the Holy Spirit” (Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 191, 1958). This period of preparation mirrors the purification and cleansing needed to receive the Holy Spirit fully and endure the trials of the last days. Those who remain faithful through these tests will be empowered to finish God’s work and stand firm in the time of trouble. How does the Holy Spirit empower us to fulfill this mission?

SPIRIT’S SUPER STRENGTH!

The Holy Spirit plays a central role in empowering us to live victoriously and fulfill our mission. Joel 2:28–29 prophesies this divine empowerment: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” This prophecy emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is accessible to all who are willing to receive it. Romans 8:26–27 further explains how the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us.” Galatians 5:25–26 calls us to walk in harmony with the Spirit: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Sr. White highlights the Spirit’s transformative power, stating, “The Spirit furnishes the strength that sustains striving, wrestling souls in every emergency” (The Desire of Ages, p. 671). She also adds, “The impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ” (Gospel Workers, p. 285). Through the Holy Spirit, we are transformed into the image of Christ, empowered to share the gospel, and equipped to endure trials. Acts 1:8 promises, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” and John 14:26 assures, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Sr. White further notes, “The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. Christ declared that the divine influence of His Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 49, 1911), and “At this very hour His Spirit and His grace are for all who need them and will take Him at His word” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 20, 1904). This gift reflects God’s love by giving His people the strength and guidance needed to remain faithful and fulfill their calling. What responsibilities do we hold toward God in response to this empowerment?

OBEY THE ALMIGHTY!

We are responsible for living lives of obedience, faithfulness, and service to God. Micah 6:8 outlines this duty: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” This verse calls for justice, mercy, and humility in all aspects of life. Sr. White supports this teaching, stating, “It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others to follow His example” (The Great Controversy, p. 598). She further writes, “We are to cooperate with heavenly intelligences in spreading the gospel and preparing a people to stand in the day of God” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 50). Deuteronomy 10:12 questions, “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,” while Romans 12:1 beseeches, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Sr. White clarifies, “Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship” (Steps to Christ, p. 60, 1892), and “Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience” (Steps to Christ, p. 60, 1892). We fulfill our responsibility to God by maintaining a life of prayer, obedience, and dedication to spreading His word. Our faithfulness reflects gratitude for God’s love and commitment to prepare for Christ’s second coming. How do we extend this faithfulness to those around us?

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR NOW!

In addition to serving God, we are called to love and serve our neighbors, reflecting Christ’s compassion and care. Mark 12:31 states, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” This command highlights that love for others is inseparable from faithfulness to God. Sr. White writes, “Christ’s followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord teaches that the true object of life is ministry” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 326). She also states, “By showing love and kindness, we reflect the light of heaven and prepare hearts to receive the truth” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 470). Serving others includes acts of mercy, encouragement, and support, pointing them to God’s love and truth. Leviticus 19:18 commands, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD,” and Galatians 5:14 affirms, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Sr. White explains, “Love to Jesus will be manifested in a desire to work as He worked for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. It will lead to love, tenderness, and sympathy toward all the creatures of our heavenly Father’s care” (Gospel Workers, p. 315, 1915), and “The golden rule is the principle of true courtesy, and its truest illustration is seen in the life and character of Jesus. Oh, what rays of softness and beauty shone forth in the daily life of our Saviour! What sweetness flowed from His very presence! The same spirit will be revealed in His children” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 384, 1900). We must model Christlike behavior, extending grace and compassion to those in need. This service strengthens relationships and prepares others for the outpouring of the Spirit and the final harvest. By loving our neighbors, we reflect God’s character and fulfill His command to be light in the world.

VICTORY IN VIEW!

The concepts of the early and latter rain, preparation for the Holy Spirit, and responsibilities to God and neighbors reveal God’s love and purpose for His people. Through the Holy Spirit, God equips us to overcome challenges, share His truth, and reflect Christ’s character. This preparation ensures readiness for Christ’s return and empowers us to lead others into God’s kingdom. Ephesians 4:11-13 describes, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ,” while 2 Timothy 3:17 states, “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Sr. White observes, “The love which Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vitalizing power. Every vital part—the brain, the heart, the nerves—it touches with healing. By it the highest energies of the being are roused to activity. It frees the soul from the guilt and sorrow, the anxiety and care, that crush the life-forces. With it come serenity and composure. It implants in the soul joy that nothing earthly can destroy—joy in the Holy Spirit—health-giving, life-giving joy” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 115, 1905), and “The love of God is something more than a mere negation; it is a positive and active principle, a living spring, ever flowing to bless others” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 58, 1896). Ultimately, these principles highlight God’s faithfulness and desire for all to experience spiritual growth, revival, and eternal salvation.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the truths of the early and latter rain, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes of spiritual preparation and the Holy Spirit’s role to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about the latter rain and responsibilities to God and neighbors in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?