Rain, rain, go away; come again another day! I don’t know if people still teach this song/rhyme to children today, but it was one which I heard a lot when I was growing up. It seems like it has rained at least a little bit almost every day for the last couple of weeks. While rain is necessary for part of God’s Creation, it can be annoying when it prevents us from doing things we need or want to do. Having a new puppy to take outside multiple times a day makes the rain even less fun!
However, rain is not only important for our crops and water supply, but also a way that God demonstrates His gracious care for His Creation. In Matthew 5:43-45, Jesus tells His audience on the mount: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” In the hotter, drier climate of the Middle East, the rainy season was essential for life. And God does not just send the rain on those who love Him, but even on those who oppose Him! So, the next time the rain gets you down, just remember it is God showing His unconditional love and grace.
Blessings,
Pastor Zach