Blessings from God

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places."  - Ephesians 1:3

The word "blessed" is a term that is used quite frequently today. You might hear it mentioned in casual conversation, on television programs, from celebrities and sports figures, etc.

It has become, in essence, a go-to word used by many to proclaim their good fortune, success, or health status. By using it this way, are we saying that God favors certain people over others? Is there a greater meaning to being "blessed?"

No question that material blessings are a part of God's favor, but it goes beyond the comfort and security of the physical world. We severely limit ourselves when we bypass its spiritual importance (Romans 9:15-16). 

Examining the Bible, one soon realizes that "blessed" has a deep, and far-reaching spiritual significance. There, it usually indicates conditions of divine favor, devotion, and contentedness.

Throughout both, the OT and NT, it is frequently used to explore the diverse perspectives of God's relationship with us and His handiwork (creation).  Perhaps, a quick glance at some examples in Scripture might be helpful.

The most commonly translated Hebrew word for blessed, as used in the OT, is "barak." It is used to illustrate the divine goodness and plenty that God gives to individuals, nations, and in some cases, the land itself (Genesis 12:2).

Thus, the blessing shown here is both a sacred assurance and a an exhortation (call) to serve as a channel to pass God's favor to others. Turning now to the NT, the Greek word most often used to express the concept of being blessed is "makarios."

This term is used noticeably by Jesus in the Beatitudes to describe the attributes of those "blessed" in the Kingdom of God. Every one of the Beatitudes conveys a contradictory truth about the basic character of true blessedness (Matthew 5:3-12).

In these few instances, we see how the conception of being blessed is inseparably bound in God's covenantal relationship between Himself and His people. That is to say:

• Blessings in the OT are frequently conditional based upon obeying God's commandments (Deuteronomy 28). 
• The focus shifts in the NT to the spiritual blessings that are accessible through faith in Jesus Christ. The emphasis here being on grace and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.

This concise discussion shows the importance of truly understanding what it means to be blessed. That we must recognize not only the material or physical aspect of God's favor, but the spiritual, as well.

While we may only consider material blessing (prosperity) as a sign of God's blessing, the NT heavily underscores spiritual well-being, peace of mind, and the belief in everlasting life.

In short, the biblical idea of being blessed embodies a broad range of meanings (i.e., material comfort, divine favor, spiritual satisfaction, eternal happiness). It is an existence that emulates the grace and goodness of God; where we are invited to dwell in such a manner as to honor Him, and promote His blessings to all.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:2; Proverbs 10:22; Isaiah 41:10; Malachi 3:10; Philippians 4:19

Prayer: Dear Lord, may You always fill my heart with Your wisdom, strengthen my faith, and instruct me in Your truth, Amen.

In grace and peace always, 

Kenzie