This week our focus is the theme of "Blessing".
A Theology of Blessing
The Psalmist declared, "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever." (52:8) The Bible teaches us that God is love (1 John 4:8) and from that love flows blessing. Terms for blessing occur over 600 times in the Old Testament. Most of these terms are related to the word meaning "to kneel" because in ancient times one would kneel to receive a blessing. The New Testament continues the theme of blessing, but focuses more on spiritual blessings of knowing Christ Jesus, rather than physical blessing. Primarily, "God's blessing" implies two important aspects in the lives of God's people: (1) favor, and (2) fruitfulness. We can't look at every verse dealing with the topic of blessing, but let's trace this idea of blessing through the Bible.Adam and Eve - Genesis 1:28 (5:1-2)- "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'"
Noah - Genesis 9:1 - "Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.'"
Abraham - Genesis 12:2-3 - ""I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Jacob - Genesis 27 & 32
Jacob receives Isaac's blessing - Genesis 27
Jacob wrestles with God - Genesis 32:26, "I will not let yo go until you bless me."
Joseph - Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
Moses - Exodus 23:25-26, Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span."
Blessings for obedience - Leviticus 26-27 / Deuteronomy 28:1-14
High Priestly Prayer - Numbers 6:24-26, "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."
The prayer of Jabez - 1 Chronicles 4:10, "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request."
The Righteous Path - Psalm 1:1-3 - "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers."
The Beatitudes - Matthew 5:3-10
The blessing of abundant life - John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The blessing of faith - John 20:29, "Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
The blessing of perseverance - James 1:12, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
The Bible begins (Genesis 1-2) and ends (Revelation 20:6, 22:7) with "blessing". God wants to bless you with his favor and fruitfulness. I trust the knowledge of God's blessing is an encouragement to you today! Be blessed! Pastor Tom
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