12.4 The Early and Latter Rain
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Read Joel 2:21–24 and Acts 2:1–4, 41–47. Which prediction was fulfilled in the first century? How did this impact?
The fulfillment of Joel’s prediction of the early rain demonstrates the powerful effect of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and the powerful beginning for the Christian church. The book of Acts tells of one miracle of transforming grace after another. From just 120 believers who gathered for prayer, the number of believers quickly grew to about 5000. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of an amazing spread of the gospel.
Read Zechariah 4:6; 10:1; Hosea 6:3; and James 5:7–8. How is God’s work on earth said to be completed according to these verses?
According to these verses, God’s work on earth will be completed through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The early rain, which causes the seed to sprout, symbolizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the apostolic age, while the latter rain, which ripens the harvest, points to the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the end of days to prepare the harvest of souls.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the fulfillment of Joel’s prediction of the early rain had a tremendous impact on the lives of believers in the first century and continue to hold significance for our faith and daily lives today. The powerful effect of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was the powerful beginning for the Christian church. From just 120 believers who gathered for prayer, the number of believers quickly grew to about 5000. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of an amazing spread of the gospel. It reminds us that the Holy Spirit is still active today and can bring powerful changes in our lives.
The verses from Zechariah, Hosea, and James point to the fulfillment of God’s work on earth through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The early rain, which causes the seed to sprout, symbolizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the apostolic age. The latter rain, which ripens the harvest, points to the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the end of days to prepare the harvest of souls. This promise shows that the Holy Spirit continues to be effective in saving people and completing God’s work on earth.
In our daily lives, this means that the Holy Spirit is present and can work at every moment of our lives. He gives us strength, wisdom, and guidance to recognize and implement God’s will in our lives. By opening ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide us, we can lead a fulfilling and powerful life of faith and contribute to the completion of God’s work on earth.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit completes God’s work on earth, as the early rain caused the seed to sprout, and the latter rain will ripen the harvest.
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