Text: Ezekiel 34:26-27 "And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.(vs27) And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them".
Acts 3:19-20 "Repent Ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord:(vs20)And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:"
Premise
The Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 12, pages 211-212, a comment on Eze.34:26. "It is a sign of miserable deadness when any church or soul can be satisfied to continue in the dull routine of formal service without receiving any refreshing Divine grace. The first waking from such a condition of such lethargy or apathy must result in a great thirst of spirit".
The Pulpit Commentary, Vol.18, page120, a comment on Acts 3:19-20."THE TIMES OF REFRESHING THAT ARE ALWAYS CLOSE AT HAND. God is ever "waiting to be gracious", as it were watching for opportunities of giving men his rich spiritual blessing. Revivals are always close by, when men's hearts are made humble and open and seeking. Does an individual soul set itself upon humiliation and prayer? the "times of refreshing" are at hand for it. Does a church unite in confession and supplication? the "times of refreshing" will come in response to its cry. And this assurance should act as a moral persuasion, and urge men to seek for higher and better things. We are not limited or reduced, especially to insufficiency in God. He would bless us more abundantly if we were more truly ready for the blessing."
To Receive Spiritual Showers There Must Be Repentance And Conversion
Fresh-is defined as:(1) newly made,(2) not wearied but vigorous; lively; (3) not faded or worn; bright;(4) looking healthy or young.
Refresh-is defined as:(1)To make fresh again, renew, renovate, revive, enliven.
Exposition
1. To Receive Spiritual Showers There Must Be Repentance And Conversion: Eze.18:31-32 "Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (vs32) For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." Hosea 14:2 "Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips." Joel 2:12-13 "Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and mourning: (vs13) And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil."
2. To Receive Spiritual Showers Of Blessing One Must Desire Such, Because Of Having Experienced The Present Spiritual Drought And Famine: Psa.63:1-3 "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;(vs2) To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.(vs3) Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee."
3. To Receive The Spiritual Showers Of Blessings One Must Be Engaged In The Activities Of The Saved Life That Would Require Such Periodic Spiritual Showers: Phip.3:13-14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (vs14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Eph.6:10-18 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.(vs11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (vs12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities , against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (vs13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (vs14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the brestplate of righteousness; (vs15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (vs16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (vs17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (vs18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
4.The Refreshing Spiritual Showers That Come From The Presence Of The Lord Gives Renewing Power To:
A. Save--- Isa. 63:9 "In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them, in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old."
B. Give Joy--- Psa.16:11. "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presense is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
C. To Give Comfort In Trials--- Isa. 43:2 "When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."
D. Find Rest--- St. Matt.11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (vs29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls. (vs30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
E. Give Strength--- Isa. 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."