The word blessing is thrown out a lot. The dictionary has several definitions for the word, but the most general is: special favor, mercy, or benefit.
The term bless is used 388 times in some form in the Bible (NIV translation).
In the Old Testament (mentioned 302 times), blessing primarily works this way . . . God blesses in creation. Abraham will be blessed by God with children and prosperity in order to be a blessing to the world. God blesses the people of Israel with abundant provisions for their life - land, food, livestock, security, etc. However, over and over again, their blessing was to be used to bless others, especially people outside of their nation - the Gentiles. Those who follow God - the righteous - are blessed to know their ways are secure and that God is with them.
Then in the New Testament (mentioned 86 times) the focus seems to change somewhat. Jesus characterizes blessing in terms of attitudes and practices that are in line with the things He says and does. Blessing is on those who trust God's Word and obey. The blessing one receives isn't so much material and tangible, but spiritual and heavenly. Even Paul takes up the blessing Gentiles receive through Abraham and attributes that spiritually, saying they received Christ because they had faith like Abraham. His inheritance to them was faith. Revelation closes out the blessing theme by talking about the eternal blessing received by those who have followed Christ.
Today, blessing is mentioned quite often. Sometimes it is used to advocate how God wants us to receive material blessings and earthly riches akin to the Old Testament. It is also mentioned that blessing comes when God answers one's prayer or when a situation works out to one's benefit. Still others argue that blessing should be used to talk about our eternal reward for following Christ or a spiritual attribute we receive from God.
Can all these understandings of blessing be right at the same time? Can some of them be stretched outside of what the Bible was trying to say in order to fit some selfish desire we have? Are some people blessed while others are not? Are some Christians - people faithfully following God - blessed while others are not? Or have we misunderstood blessing altogether?
How do you see it?
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Blessing are probably one of the most overlooked things that we experience daily. God is continually bestowing blessings on each, and everyone one of us. Some of us take the blessings for granted, and some of us are appreciative - beyond words, and respond with thanks, and good works.
A good rule of thumb for us mortals to follow, is to pattern our lives - after God. What better role model - is there? Giving blessing to humankind, is one of the most rewarding undertaking in this life. Try it, starting - within the home. Nurturing IS a blessing.
Question: Can all of these blessings be right at the same time? Answer: Yes. Q. Can they be stretched outside of the bible to fit selfish desires? A. Of course. they are used that way every day. Q. Are some blessed and others not? A. I feel that every one on earth is blessed in some way. Children can be a blessing. Rain, sunshine, even bees to pollinate our fruit trees and beautiful flowers..even our eyesight is a blessing. Q. Some blessed and others not? A.Don't you think a lot of people do not see their blessings? Every day I thank my Heavenly Father for all the blessings I have received.So Jim, I ask you this question, do I even understand blessings? M.E.
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