Ask rain from the Lord, in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field.
Zechariah 10:1
As I studied this morning, I landed on this arresting scripture from Zechariah. I believe it is something that God is continuing to work within His people. Ask from the Hebrew is ‘to inquire of the Lord’. There is a very present need that Zechariah is addressing and this scripture holds promise for an answer.
From Zechariah's word, we find in verse 2 the “trouble” that has been in their midst that has withheld the rain. “For the household gods utter nonsense and the diviners see lies, they tell false dreams and give empty consolation therefore the people wander like sheep, they are afflicted for the lack of a shepherd.”
Zechariah says these things and we now understand there is a need for repentance. From Deuteronomy chapter eleven we find Mose’s instructions to keep the commandments of the Lord. Moses highlights in verse 17 to take care so their hearts are not deceived and they turn aside and serve and worship other Gods. Doing so would kindle the anger of the Lord against them and He would shut up the heavens and there would be no rain. Exactly the case Zechariah addresses.
In First Kings chapter 8, as Solomon dedicates the temple of God, he prays from verse thirty five saying, “when heaven is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, if they pray toward this place and acknowledge your name and turn from their sin when you afflict them, then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk and grant rain upon your land, which you have given to your people as an inheritance.”
So then asking for the rain here gives us awareness that there is a need for returning and repentance.
Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.
We are to ask for rain from the Lord. We look to no other for this blessing. We hold this assurance that with right alignment to Him, in the right season, which is always sovereign in God, He will give showers of rain to everyone.
Jesus told his disciples, John 14: 13-14, if you ask anything in My name, I will do it that the Father may be glorified in the Son, meaning we are only asking what Jesus is asking…..seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness assures us of ongoing, proper alignment with His will and way and He receives all the glory.
Isaiah 44: 3. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
Zechariah’s words remind us today to ask, from the Lord, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ and desires for us to live in this rich heritage He has provided for us. Let us not grow complacent in seeking God for the fullness of His blessings through any doubt or unbelief. Let us be mindful that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him and ASK!