Galatians 3:14
“in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
This explains one of the mysteries of the bible. That is how the blessing of Abraham going to the gentiles. The Lord chose Abraham and his descendants. Many thought it would end with them. At Jesus’ time the separation of the peoples was evident. The Jews and the gentiles (the samaritans) were aware of it. John 4:9 says, ‘Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)’. Jesus was beginning to open the door to all the world. The great demonstration of God’s mercy and grace was almost complete.
The Abrahamic blessing was never meant to stop with the Israelites. They were the example that the Lord used to bless all. In Egypt, He teaches us that even though we might be enslaved to sin, we can be set free. With the Ten Commandments, He teaches us how to honor him and others. With the sacrificial system, we learn that our sins need to be paid for with the shedding of blood. With the Israelites living in the promised land, He teaches us how to live a fruitful life while living in relationship with Him. It was like and a wonderful story on how to connect with God and live in Him. It just happened to be with real people.
What is the blessing of Abraham? It was given in Genesis 12:2,3 and had several parts: “And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”
What does the blessing look like in our lives? We’ll be successful, blessed and respected. Success won’t always be what we think. However, it will be the best thing for us. That’s true because God knows better than we do and if we follow Him, He’ll accomplish it. Proverbs is a good place to explain success. “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man”, (3:1-4). Success comes from following His advice in the bible and clinging to His steadfast love.
Pastor Rick Warren describes God’s blessing in six ways. He blesses us even though we don’t deserve it (John 1:16). He blesses us because He enjoys doing it (Jeremiah 32:41). He blesses those who obey Him. He blesses us as a witness to others. He blesses us to bless others. God’s blessings can be multigenerational. This is all done through Christ.
The third part of the Abrahamic blessing is that God gives us respect. Psalm 23 says, “He prepareth a table for me in the presence of my enemies”. It’s as if He prepares an honor banquet for us. As we follow His Word, He rewards us. Not only is it good advice, but He rewards those that obey Him. The good advice part works because He is wise and the blessing part is He changes peoples minds towards us. It feels egotistical to speak about ourselves this way, but it’s true. Pastor Rick had a good point. Part of the reason He blesses us is to bless others. Success is a great recruitment tool. When others see those that are happy, with good marriages, God uses that to win others.
All this is done through Christ. The blessing was to Abraham and his descendants. In Christ, we have been adopted into the family of Abraham. Galatians 3:29 says, “And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.”
Lord, Your goodness is so great. Thank You for adopting us into the family. Thank You for all the You do.