Fall Rains (Proper C25)

I love fall. The cool crisp air, the color, and even the rain. The weather is perfect for coffee and contemplation. Fall is the most romantic time I know so this weeks text is nostalgic and dreamy.

Joel 2:23 "Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers,both autumn and spring rains, as before. "

God in his grace pours out mercy on devastated destroyed land-rain to cleanse the land and refresh the spirit. This text is very important for me as a Pentecostal, it promises another kind of rain to be poured out-the Living Spirit of God.

Joel 2:28 "And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions."

This was the experience of the apostles on the day of Pentecost and it is my experience as well. Pentecostal or not, people around the world have experienced the sweet presence of God as a refreshing rain on their thirsty souls.

Psalm 65:9 You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it.

Ah, the river of God is full of water. The presence of God is rich and is poured out on us generously.

2 Timothy 4:6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come.

Paul shares in the heart of God, being poured out, just as the Spirit was poured out on him, just as mercy was poured out on the desolate promised land.

I'm not sure how this all comes together but it strikes my heart like the onset of fall. Tears come to my eyes and I breath deeply the cleansing air.