Qualified, Commissioned and Accountable (eBook)

Description

Showers of Blessing:

The familiar expression arose in the context of shepherding the flock. In chapter 34 Ezekiel first denounced the "shepherds of Israel" - a metaphor for the nation's leaders. They had indulged themselves at the expense of the flock. Devoid of interest and compassion they had abandoned the sheep to be scattered on the mountains, a prey to every marauding beast. God passed His sentence: "Behold I am against the shepherds and will require my sheep at their hand and put a stop to their feeding the sheep."  (34:10) 

God Himself assumed the shepherd role. "I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep." (34:15) In covenant faithfulness He would seek them out, rescue them, treat their injuries, feed and strengthen them, and give them security and prosperity. He would do it through the Shepherd He would appoint: "And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them." (Ezek34:23) In terms of the productive effect of the rain on dry ground He described the new, abundant life that the Shepherd would bring to the church: "and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing." (Ezek 34:26)

This looked forward to the Person and redeeming work of the Good Shepherd of John 10 (cf Heb 13:20). He has made us His under - shepherds, patterned after Himself to "care for the church of God". Why should we not expect the "showers of blessing" if we do so? Why should we expect them if we do not?