18 KEY LESSONS OF GENESIS 22 (12)
18 KEY LESSONS OF GENESIS 22 (12)
Lesson 17: Abraham became a blessing (Gen 22:17): Abraham was blessed in cattle, in silver and gold but all of these does not make one a blessing, for one can possess all the good things of life and never affect a soul or make an impact. In God’s standard, what Abraham was blessed with if weighed in God’s balance before this encounter would not amount to anything. Abraham was blessed with so many things, but he became a blessing via total obedience to God, was made a reference point and whatever heavenly blessing is all about. If you do not know the definition of blessing, remember Abraham. In blessing, I will bless you.
Being blessed is different from being prayed for, some of us had been prayed for by our parents but yet to receive their blessings. A person prayed for may not feel the prayers, but it is impossible for the one blessed and the person that pronounced the blessing not to know that virtue came out of the latter to the former. A practical example is, blessing from a parent which does not just come like that, it is not often, it always come when one do something significant to one’s parent(s). It is a blessing that come from one’s soul, it is like a bewitchment, a kind of positive spell that cannot be reversed (Genesis 27:25, 27-29). It is not ordinary. It is a potent force in breaking barriers and fulfilling one’s destiny.
Esau understood this kind of blessing, when he asked his father to bless him after his brother Jacob had deceived Isaac and collected his blessing, Isaac told him I have blessed him, no more reserve and it cannot be reversed (Genesis 27:33-34,36). This type of blessing does not just come by words of mouth, but by oath, by one’s entire life; God sworn by Himself to bless Abraham and making him a blessing on the account of the sacrifice. Also, Isaac blessed Jacob on the account that he provided his desired meal. Are you looking for a blessing from God or you want to become a blessing through God, what have you laid on His altar. It can’t just happen.
Today, God is not looking for any other sacrifice, what He required in making us a blessing is to just preach His crucified Son to every nook and cranny, to preach the gospel and evangelize the whole world. By evangelism, in reaching out to others you can become a blessing. It is a blessing for you to be saved, then become a blessing to others by sharing your salvation and gracious gift of God (Proverbs 11:30, Matthew 13:23).
As believers, we receive a renew blessing. Jesus Christ became poor for us to be rich. He finished the work on the Cross of Calvary, for you to no longer suffer, be blessed and be a blessing. He said, “Blessed art thou” (Matthew 16:17a, Luke 1:28). I so, believe. Maranatha!
Word Affirmation: “For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession. The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein." - Psalms 69:35-36 (Don't just say it, mean it!)
“If you do not know the definition of blessing, remember Abraham. In blessing, I will bless you.”
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