"Ask for the Rain"

Sermon Title: "Ask for the Rain"

Text: Zechariah 10:1 (KJV) "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."

Introduction

Rain symbolizes life, growth, and divine blessing in Scripture. In Zechariah 10:1, the prophet invites God's people to ask for rain during the season of latter rain. This verse speaks of God's readiness to pour out blessings but also emphasizes the need for us to seek Him in prayer and faith.

We will explore three key points in this sermon:

The Time of the Latter Rain The Command to Ask The Promise of Abundance

1. The Time of the Latter Rain

Illustration: Imagine a farmer who depends on the seasonal rains for his crops. The early rain softens the soil for planting, and the latter rain matures the harvest. Without the latter rain, his entire season of work would be fruitless.

In the same way, the "latter rain" refers to God's spiritual outpouring in a season of great need. Historically, it symbolized the blessings of Israel's agricultural cycle, but prophetically, it points to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:23, Acts 2:17).

Application: Are you in a season where you need the latter rain of God's Spirit in your life, family, or ministry? Recognize the spiritual "season" and prepare your heart for what God wants to do.

2. The Command to Ask

The verse begins with a clear instruction: "Ask ye of the LORD." God is eager to bless His people, but He desires that we come to Him in faith and dependence. Asking is an act of humility and trust.

Illustration: A child who needs something will go to their parent, knowing the parent loves them and is capable of providing. However, imagine if the child never asks—how would the parent know what they need? In the same way, God calls us to bring our needs and desires to Him.

Scripture: James 4:2 reminds us, "Ye have not, because ye ask not." Application: What have you neglected to ask God for? Perhaps it's healing, restoration, or revival. Bring your request to the Lord with faith.

3. The Promise of Abundance

When we ask, God promises to respond with showers of blessing. These are not mere drops of rain but abundant showers that provide for "every one grass in the field."

Illustration: Picture a parched land after a drought, with cracks in the soil and withered plants. When the rain finally comes, it doesn't just wet the surface—it saturates the ground, revives the plants, and fills every empty reservoir. God's blessings work the same way: they are sufficient and overflowing.

God's Bright Clouds: The bright clouds mentioned in the verse point to God's preparation of blessings. Just as clouds gather before a storm, God orchestrates situations in our lives to prepare us for His outpouring.

Personal Testimony: Share a story of answered prayer or how God's provision came in a season of need.

Conclusion: The Call to Pray Boldly

Zechariah 10:1 invites us into a partnership with God. While He is sovereign and capable of blessing, He invites us to participate through prayer and expectation.

Challenge: This week, identify areas in your life where you need the "latter rain." Pray specifically and expectantly, knowing that God is faithful to His promises.

Closing Illustration: A missionary once said, “God's storehouse is full of rain, waiting for us to ask. The problem is not with God's supply but with our asking.” Let us not hesitate to come to Him boldly.

Prayer: "Lord, we come before You today, asking for the rain of Your Spirit in our lives. Pour out Your blessings, revive our hearts, and let Your provision touch every area of our need. We trust in Your promise to give showers in abundance. In Jesus' name, Amen."