The good news: we can always use rain in California. This year has been one of no forest fires because we have had rain in October, November and now December. The fall months are our primary "fire season."
The Sierra snow-pack looks like it might set records this year. This is good for skiers and all the businesses that cater to skiers. It is also good for Central Valley farmers and all the folks who drink water and water their lawns in Southern California.
Of course opposing voices will quickly warn that the extra growth in grass and brush that comes from the rains will make for even more fuel for next year's fires. These are the same people who would also be warning about next years fires if we didn't get rain this year. You can't win with some people, is the rain a blessing or a curse?
Jesus said, in Matthew 5:45, "...you Father in heaven gives sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike." So, is this rain benefiting the just or punishing the unjust? Are the unjust hitch-hiking on the blessing for the just, or are the just getting some of the spillover from the judgement on the unjust? Theologians wrap up these kinds of questions in a package called common grace.
A number of years ago I was moderating a Q&A discussion with a panel of speakers that included J.I. Packer, R.C. Sproul and Joni Eareckson Tada. A question from the conference attendees asked Joni, "Knowing what you know now, and how God has blessed your life with such a unique ministry, if you were that 16 year old girl again standing on a rock ready to dive into the Chesapeake Bay and emerge a quadriplegic, would you still dive?" The heads of the two prominent theologians turned toward Joni to listen to her response.
Joni, first of all, said she regularly was asked that question. Her answer displayed thoughtful consideration and discernment. According to my notes she replied, "I have come to the conclusion that in this age, in every event that happens, both heaven and hell participate." She went of to say that we live in a fallen world where blessings and curses are not always clearly delineated but hell's maneuverings never thwart heaven's purposes. As I recall Packer and Sproul had nothing additional to offer.
Before these current rains are finished millions of Californians will feel like they have been through hell. More millions will reap the benefits of the rains for months and even years to come. Among both groups will be the just and the unjust. My wife and I will try to keep our pool from overflowing, keep an eye on our family and neighbors, pray for those who are traveling and whistle, "Showers of Blessings" wondering who was dreaming of such a wet Christmas.
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