The former and the latter rain. The rain cycle of the land of Palestine consists of a fall planting (former) rain, sporadic winter rains, and a heavy (latter) rain which falls in the spring and brings grain to maturity.

One application of the type of the former and latter rain would be to consider the work of the Holy Spirit in Israel of the Old Testament as the former rain, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Christian Church as the heavier, latter rain. This point of view is reinforced by the fact that the series of the seven feasts began at the time of the harvesting of the grain, not at the time of planting seed.

Another prophetic application of the type of the former and latter rain would be that the former (seed; planting) rain fell on the original Day of Pentecost, and the latter (harvest) rain is reserved for the days just prior to the return of the Lord from Heaven. This alternate point of view is supported by the Lord's parable of the wheat and tares that grow to maturity side by side until the end of the age.

As is true of Scripture symbolism generally, the Holy Spirit can apply the type of the former and latter rain in more than one way depending on the particular spiritual truth being emphasized.

In any case, the Pentecostal "rain" of the Holy Spirit has been available to all Christian people since the days of the first Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is regrettable that as soon as the original Apostles passed from the earth the early believers rejected the leadership and manifestation of the Holy Spirit in favor of a human-directed church. There is evidence in Paul's writings that while he yet was ministering, his own converts were rejecting the teaching that the Spirit was presenting through him. The text of the Book of Galatians suggests doctrinal confusion erupted as soon as Paul left Galatia and went to another area.

People find it difficult to be willing to live under the rulership of the Holy Spirit of God. This was true under the old covenant and it is just as true today.

The history of the Pentecostal "rain." The history of the outpouring of Pentecostal "rain" on mankind is an inspiring story. The miraculous effects of the working of the Holy Spirit are described in the Book of Acts. Since that time there have been powerful manifestations of the Spirit of God whenever and wherever Christians have met the Divine requirements of faith, holiness, obedience, unity, and prayer, and also in times and places selected sovereignly by the Lord Jesus according to His own purposes.

Some of the outpourings of the Spirit are on record. there were many of which we are ignorant. The names of Wesley, Fox, Finney, Howells, for example, are associated with manifestations of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of the feast of Pentecost.

To be continued.