It has been several summers since I can remember one that has had so much precipitation. For the northeastern farmer trying to make hay, it can be frustrating to see a two week forecast with nearly no sun to dry the grass. With that said, every farmer knows the value of rain and how precious it can be. One only has to look to the western United States or any other arid location to understand that.

This reminds me of what Jesus stated in the Sermon on the Mount, “For He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matt. 5:45) That verse has a way of making me feel incredibly grateful. Why? Because we serve a good God.

There is something so humbling to me about that verse. Though we don’t deserve the good things given to us, God gives them anyway. It’s so easy for our human minds to think immediately of the law of sowing and reaping and to think that that is the only way God works. Do good, God will bless; do bad, God will curse. As much as that would make sense, it just isn’t how He chooses to operate in all aspects of life. Don’t mistake what I am trying to say, we do need to be aware of how we conduct ourselves and the decisions we make. Every action we take has a reaction. But sometimes God sees fit to override such things. In this case, sending rain to both sinners and saints.

I encourage us all to consider that. Those reading this are about to enjoy a Sabbath rest. Do we even deserve such a privilege? If we’re honest, we don’t. But God, who is rich in mercy and love, knew that we humans would need one and so established it from the beginning (Gen 2:1-3). And we are allowed to take part in that! What a blessing.

There are so many people in this world who need to find rest. Anyone following the news headlines is fully aware of the tragedies of our day: so many hurting people, desperate for some reprieve of soul. As we take rest ourselves, we should also pray that those who need rest for their souls would find it. The ultimate rest for them, as we have experienced as Christians, is of course the Pearl of great price, Jesus Christ. He is the true Sabbath for the longing soul.

Blessings to all.