MEMORY VERSE: ‘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 everyone grass in the field.’ Zechariah 10:1.
LESSON AIM: To study the latter rain, which enables God’s church to complete its mission.
‘Near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest “in the time of the latter rain.” In response, “the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain.” “He will cause to come down ... the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain,” Zechariah 10:1; Joel 2:23.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 55.
Compiler’s note: The symbolism of the early and the latter rain is taken from conditions in the land of Israel. The grain was sowed in the autumn when there was a period of rain, which helped the seed to establish and begin growing. Harvest took place in the spring-time when there was another period of rain to swell the grain for harvest. These two periods of rain were called the early (or former) rain and the latter rain.
1. What important work did Christ entrust to His church? Mark 16:15.
NOTE: ‘Christ’s commission, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” is spoken to every one of His followers. All who are ordained unto the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. Their hearts will throb in unison with the heart of Christ. The same longing for souls that He has felt will be manifest in them. Not all can fill the same place in the work, but there is a place and a work for all.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, pages 300.
2. What is to be the extent of this sacred work? Revelation 14:6.
NOTE: ‘The commission given to the disciples is given also to us. Today, as then, a crucified and risen Saviour is to be uplifted before those who are without God and without hope in the world. The Lord calls for pastors, teachers, and evangelists. From door to door His servants are to proclaim the message of salvation. To every nation, kindred, tongue, and people the tidings of pardon through Christ are to be carried. Not with tame, lifeless utterances is the message to be given, but with clear, decided, stirring utterances. Hundreds are waiting for the warning to escape for their lives. The world needs to see in Christians an evidence of the power of Christianity. Not merely in a few places, but throughout the world, messages of mercy are needed.’ Christian Service, page 23.