17/08/2026
*BIBLE STUDY CLASS*
*Topic: THE SHOWER OF BLESSINGS*
*Text: Joel 2:23-26*
---
*1. CONTEXT OF JOEL 2:23-26*
Joel was prophesying to Judah after a locust plague had destroyed everything - crops, joy, economy. It was a season of barrenness.
But God promised _restoration_. The "rain" here is both literal and spiritual. In Israel, the "former rain" and "latter rain" were critical for harvest.
*2. BREAKING DOWN THE 3 RAINS*
*A. The First Rain: The Rain of Righteousness*
_Joel 2:23 - "the former rain moderately"_
This is the rain that prepares the ground.
- *What it does*: Breaks up hard hearts, washes away sin, brings conviction and repentance.
- *Today*: It’s God calling us back to right living. Before blessing comes alignment. _“Sow to yourselves in righteousness” - Hosea 10:12_
- *Application*: Are there areas God is asking you to "break up the fallow ground" in?
*B. The Second Rain: The Rain of the Spirit*
_Joel 2:28-29 - "I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh"_
This is Pentecost rain.
- *What it does*: Empowers, refreshes, revives. Brings gifts, boldness, and the presence of God.
- *Today*: We cannot live the Christian life in dryness. We need fresh oil, fresh fire.
- *Application*: _“Be not drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit” - Eph 5:18_
*C. The Third Rain: The Latter Rain / Rain of Restoration & Harvest*
_Joel 2:23, 25 - "the latter rain... I will restore to you the years"_
This is the rain that brings harvest and completion.
- *What it does*: Restores what was lost, brings fruit, answers prayers, releases abundance.
- *Today*: God is a restorer. Lost years, lost opportunities, lost joy - He can bring them back with increase.
- *Application*: Don’t give up. The rain of restoration is coming for your family, ministry, health, finances.
*3. KEY LESSONS FROM THE PASSAGE*
1. *God sees barren seasons* - The locust ate, but God saw.
2. *Blessing comes in stages* - Righteousness → Spirit → Restoration. You can’t skip the first rain.
3. *Restoration is part of God’s character* - _v26 "ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord"_
*4. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS*
1. Which "rain" do you feel you need most right now: Righteousness, Spirit, or Restoration?
2. What "locust" has eaten in your life that you’re believing God to restore?
3. How can we position ourselves to receive the shower of blessings as a church?
*5. PRAYER POINTS*
- Lord, send the rain of righteousness upon us. Break every hard ground in our hearts.
- Father, pour out your Spirit afresh. Fill us again.
- God of restoration, restore every year the locust has eaten in my life and in this church.
- Let there be a shower of blessings upon our families, work, and ministry in Jesus name.
Amen........🙏🙏🎤🎤
