ZECHARIAH 10 – The “Latter Rain”

In chapter ten we have two themes; another promise of deliverance for the people of (v.1-8); and a promise concerning the regathering of Israel, back to the land. (v.9-12). In these promises we find a two-fold message of “Revival” and “Restoration.” God does not want us to “settle” for “less” in Christ; He is always calling us to a deeper level of intimacy in Him. My prayer is that we would “heed” His call.

CALL TO REVIVAL - What is “revival?” Here’s one definition: Revival is the visitation of God which brings to life Christians who have been sleeping and restores a deep sense of God's near presence and holiness. (Christian Theologian - James Packer). “Revival” is not some evangelical “event,” but a continual state of “intimacy” with God, made possible by the Spirit of God. (v.1) “Ask the Lord for rain!” God is “beseeching” His people to “ask” Him for refreshment, nourishment, rather than the world. Far too often believers are found turning to the “pleasures” of the world for refuge, rather than God’s “presence!” And when we “ask,” we often “ask” with the wrong “motive.” (Denver Broncos to win). (ttt) James 4:1-5. God will not give us that which “threatens” His relationship with us! Revival renews our perspective on life and keeps us from “worshipping” frivolous and temporal things.

The “latter rain” is rain which falls in the “spring,” about February or March. It “ripens” the grain, while the former rain, in October, only germinates the seed. Spiritually speaking; The former rain of “conversion” may have been given, but we must also ask for the “latter rain” of ripened sanctification. (Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary). Because it’s not how we start, but how we “finish” that matters.

Revival (latter rain) keeps our relationship “authentic” with God. (v.2, 3a). Zechariah calls God’s people to “authenticity.” He echoes the words of the former prophets; words which must have been very poignant (strong), as he delivered them amidst the ruins of the former temple in . Israel’s downfall was due to idolatry, reliance upon “divination.” The Hebrew word here for “idols” is teraphim - figurines or images in human form used in the ancient world as household gods. (Nelson's Illustrated Dictionary). Israel’s “rejection” of God’s word for divination caused the people to “wend,” to wonder aimlessly about; because there was no “shepherd.” It’s not that “shepherds” weren’t available; but the “shepherds” failed to speak “truth” to the people, (v.3a).

In many of the churches pulpits today we unfortunately have “shepherds” who have set aside the word of God for “divination,” delusion, lies, and dreams. Their words, however, regardless of how smooth and soothing to the flesh, produce no “eternal” comfort! In fact, they “endanger” rather than “edify” the people; giving them “untempered mortar.” (Ezekiel 22:28) Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, 'Thus says the Lord God,' when the Lord had not spoken. A true shepherd will speak the “truth,” even if it wounds the sheep; that they might live “abundant,” rather than “aimless” lives! A “false” shepherds, however, will say what people want to hear, obsessed with being non-offensive often because he seeks “yours” and not “you!” (2 Corinthians 12:14b) “…for I do not seek yours, but you.” God will “judge” false shepherds; they are “goatherds” among His sheep. In Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus warned when He returns He will separate the sheep (those appointed to salvation), from the goats (those appointed to “eternal punishment”). The Lord knows those who are “truly” His. (John 10:27) My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. They follow Him into deeper “intimacy,” rather than “resist” His call.

(v.3b-8). These verses speak of the glorious “visitation” of Christ, upon His people Israel, when He returns. But it also reveals “three” manifestations of true revival; related to the “visitation” of God’s presence among His people. 1) Power. (v.3b-5) God reminds that “power” originates not from them, but from Him! (v.5b). In His presence, that which was once “ruined” becomes “royalty.” (v.3b). Notice: It is from Israel, those who were defeated and despised; that God, according to His “power,” would rise up a; “cornerstone,” (salvation), “tent peg” (security), “battle bow” (victory), “every ruler” (conquered/submitted).

In Christ, through the weakness of Israel, God has accomplished this! He is our salvation, security, victory, by his name every ruler and principalities will “bow” and submit! With “revival” the “weak” become “strong,” as we “focus” upon His “sufficiency,” rather than our “insufficiency!” (v.6a). (Isaiah 40:29) He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 2) Mercy. (v.6c). Because of His mercy we have “hope.” (Psalm 33:18) Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy. Hope in the fact, our sins is remembered “no more!” 3) The last manifestation of revival found here is, Joy. (v.7). Not only for us, but those around us. Notice: a man’s family will “rejoice” when he gets “right” with God! (Psalm 16:11b) In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. CALL TO RESTORATION (v.8-12). God will whistle, issue a “call” to His people (Israel) and they will gather; and be restored “fully” to the land. There will be so many Jews who will return at that time, the land will not be able to accommodate them, (v.10b). As “restoration” will be the outcome of Christ’s visitation among the Jews, so “restoration” is God’s ultimate goal with His visitation among His people in “revival.” As with Elijah God’s call to restoration is not in the wind, the earthquake, the fire, but His “still small voice!” A “whistle” a “whisper,” calling us to be “restored.”

Verse 11, emphasizes the “certainty” of restoration for Israel, and the church. As Yahweh (God) struck the Red Sea, to make a passage for His people (Ex 14:16,21), so hereafter shall He make a way through every “obstacle” which opposes Israel's restoration. (Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary). In the same sense despite the “obstacles” Christ faced “nothing” could keep Him from going to the “cross.” “Love” compelled Him to die for our sins and it is “His love” which constantly sustains and restores us. (Romans 8:38-39) reminds us “Nothing will ever separate us from His love.” CONCLUSION: COMMUNION is a call to revival and restoration; a call to the “latter rain.” Best definition: Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again. (Dr. Vance Havner). (noted preacher). May God grant us, through faith and repentance, a new “outpouring” of His presence. (Hosea 10:12) Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.