Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 27 & 28; Revelation 14; Zechariah 10; John 13
Zechariah 10:1-2 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. For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.
One of the amazing things about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ is the fact that his children are invited and encouraged to ask him for things the need in prayer. The prophet here says to ask for rain in the time of the latter rain. The blessing of rain that ripens the harvest is promised in answer to prayer. Earlier the people received this promise from Moses.
Deuteronomy 11:13-15 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, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.
There are many false gods that people make idols to worship. They promise many things, but none of them can answer prayer. Only God the Father does this for his children. Jesus said:
Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
People will scatter like sheep following a thousand different false prophets and worship idols without a shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who tells us that our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we ask him. He invites us to ask. Do you ask? Are you asking God for the things you need right now? I hope that you will take the promise of God seriously and ask. Not only does he have the answers to life’s questions, but he will answer your prayers!
In Christ,
Rody
