1 Samuel 2:27-3:1
Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me…? (1 Samuel 2: 29).

The issue of open or closed heaven over a church is dependent on the leadership and how prayerful or otherwise the church is. When a church does not seek God or put the things that concern Him as priority, the heavens over such churches may be closed by God.

When passion for missions, lost souls and worship is reducing in the life of a church, check it out, the leadership is already moving away from the center of God’s will. When a leader no longer rebukes sin or handles issues according to God’s pattern, heaven’s curtain has already been drawn.

This was what happened to Eli and the prophetic office was taken away from his family.  He failed to handle his son’s inappropriate actions thereby allowing sin to thrive in Shiloh. Ichabod was declared over his family. The glory departed. The sin you do not reprove today, you will approve tomorrow.

Carnal leadership in any congregation is also a disaster. In this case, the sanctuary will be physically present, but the One who sanctifies will no longer be there. God abhors this. See Malachi 2:7. The most unfortunate thing in this situation is that the carnality of the pastor or the leaders usually spreads into the congregation.

When this happens, only intense prayers and intercession can break open the closed heaven. Repentant worship is also required. Let us pray.

Your Turn

• Pray for yourself, church, pastors and leaders that they may preserve the truth of God’s word from this generation to the next.

Song: I pledge allegiance to the Lamb.

Further Reading: Malachi 2:1-9.