God, Weather, and the Church
Icy driving conditions prompted the church I serve, Cotton Ridge, to cancel worship services today. The plans for my family was just to stay in the house where it was nice and warm. But I was wrong, as we needed a few critical items from the store.
The young lady who took my groceries to my car (yes, we still have that kind of service in Levelland, Texas) mentioned that her family moved here from another state just over a year ago. I asked her if they had found a church home, and she said no. I gave her a business card and invited her to come check us out.
This little bit of impromptu outreach reminded me of some important truths: Church is not some event we go to, but something we are. Church is not in a particular location or building, but is wherever we go.
By the way, here's a brief summary of some things the Bible says the weather:
All weather -- sunshine, rain, wind, and thunder/lightning -- is controlled by God (Job 37:9; Ps. 74:15-17; Eccles. 1:18).
Weather is a sign of God's power (Ex. 19:16; 1 Sam. 12:15-19; Ps. 107:23-25).
Sunshine is a blessing for life (Deut. 33:13-14; Job 8:16), can be falsely worshiped (2 Kin. 23:5; Jer. 8:2; Eze. 8:16), and will be absent in the new heavens and new earth (Rev. 21:23). Figuratively, sunshine can point to the glory of God (Ps. 84:11), the glory of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:16), and the glory of believers (Matt. 13:43; Rev. 12:1).
Rain can be sent as a blessing (Matt. 5:45; Acts 14:17) or as judgment (1 Sam. 12:17). It can also be withheld as judgment (Lev. 26:19; 2 Chron. 7:13). Rain can come or cease through prayer (1 Sam. 12:16-18; Jas. 5:17-18).
Wind is something that Christ calms by His command (Mark 4:39; Mark 6:51).
Lightning and thunder is sent by God (Ex. 9:23-24; Ps. 104:7) and can be used for judgment (Isa. 29:6).
