Zechariah 10:1 — 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.
We were blessed by the latter rains today. I’m not sure what time it started — maybe 2 o’clock, but by 3 o’clock this morning there was a glorious downpour accompanied by dramatic thunder and lightning. It kept me awake, but I really didn’t mind, it was wonderful. We had five hours of good rain, and we needed it.
In Israel the “former” or early rains fell at the time of seed planting around November. The “latter” or late rains came at around the end of April to water the ripening crops. The latter rains brought the crops to their full ripeness.

I have heard more than one interpretation of the former and the latter rains, and perhaps they are all correct! They certainly are all worth considering. Here are two to think about.

One suggestion is that the “crop” is a picture of the church. The former rain represents the Holy Spirit falling on the church at Pentecost. The latter rain represents a visitation of the Holy Spirit at the second coming.

Another suggestion is more personal. The early rain, it is proposed, represents the gift of salvation. The later rain in this scenario is the gift of sanctification.

Zechariah told the Jews to ask the Lord for the latter rain. They were in the middle of a period of drought. That period of drought was, according to the prophets, because they had neglected their duty and not rebuilt the temple. If they would remember their duty, and pray, the Lord would send blessings — represented by those bright clouds that pour down rain when split by thunder. It’s good advice. Have you ever felt you were in a dry period? Is it possible that there is some duty you have neglected — something owing to the Lord? Then it is surely time to pray, and to ask the Lord to send refreshment to your spirit. If you return to Him, He will surely return to you, and pour blessings on your head.

Only God can restore us like this. consider:

Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? Art not thou he, O Lord our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things. (Jeremiah 14:22)
Only the Lord can bless us with the former and latter rain. Only He can empower His church. Only He can provide salvation and sanctification. Only He can restore us at need. And His storms are glorious!