From The Pastor’s Desk:
Lessons Learned From a Rainy Day
As I write this, it is gray, cool, and wet outside. While we have had some spectacular days, the last week has brought quite a bit of rain. I guess that’s why, in my kindergarten classroom, the month of April was represented by an umbrella and raindrops. As the saying goes: “April showers bring May flowers.”
But is that all? As I thought about the rain, I couldn’t help but think of the blessings the Bible associates with rain. We live in an agricultural community, so we appreciate the rain, of course. We know how important timely rains are. But the people of the Bible appreciated rain even more. They lived in a place that tends towards dryness, even drought. They knew that if the seasonal rains did not come as expected, life would not be possible. When the Bible talks about rain it usually views it as a distinct blessing of God.
And so, I looked at some of the Biblical references to rain to see what the rain teaches us about God. Here are 5 lessons:
1) Rain teaches us that God exists. When Paul and Barnabas were on a missionary journey to the city of Lystra, Paul used rain as one of the lines of evidence to prove that God is real. He said:
We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. (Acts 14:15-17)
2) Rain teaches that God is the creator and sustainer of our world. Each rainfall is like a mini re-creation of our world as plants are nourished and grow. A line from the Jewish Talmud says: “The day when rain falls is as great as the day on which heaven and earth were created.” Psalm 147:8 says:
8 He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills
3) Rain teaches that God is faithful. The predictability of the changing seasons is evidence that God is in control. Some springs are wetter than others. Some winters bring more or less snow. And yet, we know that the snow will melt in March and April. We know that trees will bud and the flowers bloom in April and May. We see evidence of God’s faithfulness in this orderly pattern of weather. Hosea 6:3 puts it like this:
3 Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains
4) Rain teaches that God is unique. Only God can send rain. Science cannot reliably create rain. Prayer to idols makes no difference. Jeremiah 14:22:
2 Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?
Do the skies themselves send down showers?
No, it is you, Lord our God.
Therefore our hope is in you,
for you are the one who does all this.
5) Rain teaches that God is gracious. God does not reserve the gift of rain only for those who deserve it (because, really, who could be good enough to deserve rain?) Instead, God shares this blessing with all who live on the land. Jesus says:
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:45)
Rain can be annoying. Sometimes it ruins picnic plans or delays fieldwork. And yet, the rain has much to teach us about our God. So the next time you find yourself stuck inside on a rainy day, consider some of these lessons about God and give thanks to Him.
Greeting & Refreshments for Fellowship Time
May 4 - Dalen & Bridget Meyer
Dorothy Nelsen
May 11 - Ken & Ruth Seehusen
James Seehusen
May 18 –Annabelle Dohlman
Steve & Jennifer Heeren
May 25 - Gary & Merrie Krukow
Annabelle Dohlman
May Sound/Projector Operator Schedule
May 4 - Parker Merritt
May 11 - Parker Merritt
May 18 - Matt Eberline
May 25 - Ryan Fleshner
Video Operator Schedule
May 4 - James Seehusen
May 11 - Michael Shafer
May 18 - Lucas Junker
May 25 - Jodi Bangasser
May Praise Team Schedule
May 4 - Praise Team 1 (Denise)
May 11 - Praise Team 2 (Ruth)
May 18 - Praise Team 3 (Kelly/Greta)
May 24 - Praise Team 4 (Denise)
May 30 Wendy Dralle