The Saving and Blessing Work of God
By Dean Collins
Recently, I heard a biblical scholar say that the church has done well in speaking of the saving work of God in Christ, but it has often been weak on the blessing work of God. I am not completely sure I agree, but I will admit that in many worship services I have attended throughout my life, I have heard more about how Jesus saves us than how God blesses us. Yet, I think these are two sides of the same coin, and that coin is called grace.
The work of blessing and saving both flow from God’s grace to his children. In the Old Testament it is more common to read blessings from the patriarchs, the prophets, and the Almighty bestowed on individuals and the communities that were the prodigy of Jacob’s sons who became the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the New Testament we often read what is clearly the language of blessing but does not always use the word “bless” in the blessing.
For example, Psalm 67 is a wonderful psalm of blessing that opens: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us.” This phraseology likely reminds you of Numbers 6:22-27, which is often referred to as “Aaron’s blessing”:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.”
You have likely heard or sung this blessing in a worship service. This song brought encouragement to many of us during the pandemic. If you listen to it even now, it will bless you!
In the New Testament you might think of the opening section of the Sermon on the Mount when you think of blessing:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”
There are many other prayers in the New Testament scriptures that are blessings. They are sometimes referred to as doxologies or benedictions. One you have likely heard at the end of a church service comes from Romans 15:13 and says:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
In both the Old and New Testaments, we find instructions for how we can and should live our best lives, which happens when we align ourselves with God’s will and obey his precepts. However, you also find many examples of God’s blessings on his children in both testaments, even when they were unable to live up to the law or the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. God’s blessings throughout the centuries have fallen on sinners just like you and me. Even having the scriptures to guide us is a blessing from God.
Take a couple minutes and listen to this song. I think it will truly bless you!
Father, today we are thankful for the many ways that you bless us. Thank you for the clear blessings that we can read and pray and for the alignment we have with your will when we do so. Thank you for the saving work of Christ on the cross that makes it possible to have fellowship with you and with each other. Holy Spirit, fill us and use us to be blessings and to offer your blessings on others today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 67:1-7; Numbers 6:22-25, 27; Matthew 5:3-11 ESV
Photo by Pexels
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