Showers of Blessing

I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26 NKJV

Many of us have been hurt by a pastor or leader, some have even abandoned church altogether.  

God rebukes those irresponsible shepherds, who devour the flock instead of feed them, in Ezekiel 34. This year, I noticed for the first time that even the sheep are judged in verses 17-24. Who are the “sheep” that God is speaking against? Those are your fellow Christians, spouses and friends.

The sheep are judged because they have “pushed with side and shoulder” and “butted the weak with horns” and “scattered them abroad.”

Both “shoulder” and “horn” are symbols of authority. So those who abuse others with their authority and cause them to leave the church (scattered abroad) will be judged.

God has 8 (the number of new beginnings) “I will” statements in response to the abusive sheep.

1. God will save His flock v.22

2. God will judge between sheep and sheep

3. God will establish One shepherd v. 23

4. God will be their God and “My servant David will be their prince” v. 24

5. God will make a covenant of peace with them (cause wild beasts to cease – safety) v.25

6. God will make them and the places all around His hill (His presence) a blessing; and v.26

7. God will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing

8. God will raise up for them a garden (a planting place); no hunger v.29

Verse 26 is what caught my attention. I was attracted to the showers of blessings. I love the sound of that. God will make me a blessing (on His hill – in His presence). God will cause showers of blessing to come in their season for me and others around me. The showers of blessing are emphasized twice. This makes me what to spend even more time in His presence so that I will be blessed, and I will be a blessing.

For those who have been abused by Christian spouses or others in the church. I want you to know that: God sees. He knows. He will respond. He will save His flock; that is you, beloved. He will cause the wild beasts to cease. In other words, He will cause the abuse to end. God will bless those who spend time in His presence, and He will make them a blessing.

So be encouraged; seek God’s face, spend time in His presence, and you will be blessed.