physical blessings in the bible

His blessings were not the kind they wanted. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 2 Chron 30:27. Gods blessing is found in trusting and obeying God and in the resulting enjoyment (blessing) of His presence and fellowship. When we observe the Lords Supper, we are partaking ofphysical elements, the bread and the cup, which convey aspiritual message (I Cor. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. (3) What is the relationship between blessing, faith, and obedience? In order to receive God's spiritual blessings, one must be in the right spiritual location, that is, in Christ. May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. From later history, we know that because of Josephs ill-treatment by his brothers, he was enslaved in Egypt. (1 Kings 10:1, 45). Whereas, in the Old Testament, Israel had the promise of physical blessing, the church today has been promised spiritual blessings "in the heavenly realms." Our inheritance is reserved for us (1 Peter 1:4). But Peter was wrong for supposing that Gods blessings were incompatible with suffering. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. I call that the showcasing of the blessing of God on the people of God in the Old Testament. Jesus teaching concerning His own suffering and death took His disciples by surprise: From that time Jesus Christ began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. The accursed were those who were rich, well-fed, and happy. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.. For example, Genesis 49:1 . And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? Our very clothing is a physical blessing. When we suffer, we do not ask God for the mind of Christ, or the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we ask God to bless us by giving us a life free from the pain and sorrow we are currently experiencing. Yet our prayers betray us. Paul answers in Ephesians 1:3: God has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing every blessing that heaven can conceive for the eternal happiness of Gods people will be ours. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? L As we come to the study of divine blessing in our series, we begin by considering Gods promised blessings in the Old Testament. The primary goal of Gods perfect plan is to demonstrate the glory of God. Some Christians seem to be saying that we can be assured of receiving all the promises now. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Luke 14:14 (NIV), Give freely and spontaneously. B 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.". And on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. After David was anointed as Israels future king, and Sauls replacement, David spent his days fleeing for his life from Saul who was bent on killing him (1 Samuel 18-31). Temporal blessings are not to be measured so much in terms of material prosperity, physical health, or the absence of pain, as in the enjoyment of Gods presence. Zechariah 8:13; 14:11 God's blessings are meant to protect us, guide us to the path of righteousness, and give us hope. Blessing may be accomplished by what appears to be Gods cursing. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. Use these Bible verses to remind you of the many blessing you can claim as a child of God! Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. In Gods wisdom, the church of Jesus Christ is not an ethnic or geographic or political or national entity. He said, "I am the God that healeth thee." . N (10) Blessing and cursing have present manifestations, but they are not fully manifested until the second coming of Christ. Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm Central Time. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. (Marriage and children are both a blessing, but neither is without its trials and suffering.) Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same way their fathers used to treat the false prophets. In everything [not just some thingsand not just spiritual things] give thanks: for this is thewill of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thes. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. If we are a child of God, we know His eternal plan allows only those things into our lives which result in our ultimate and eternal good: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. Pastor John, hello! We now desire that which we once found offensive and repulsive. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Unsplash Read more Site Map About Us Help Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! 3) states summarily the ground of thanksgiving, expanding it with glowing fullness in vers. (12) Gods temporal blessing is neither synonymous with prosperity nor incompatible with suffering. He leads me beside still waters. (From Forerunner Commentary). In his lifetime, Abraham would not possess the land of Canaan. Abraham was one-hundred and sixty years old when Jacob and Esau were born. Download a Personal Copy of these Bible Verses about Blessings! And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. Your blessings in this life will be mixed with sorrow. Give, and it will be given to you. Whether God in His goodness enables us to succeed, or whether His grace enables us to endure our suffering, let us realize that God is able to make use of suffering to produce blessings. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Luke 14:12-14 (NIV), You will be blessed in every way, and you will be able to keep on being generous. In the context of prayer, Paul prayed that he might have theLords prospering on his physical journey to visit the saints atRome (Rom. 4:4,5). If a nation repented of its sin and turned to God, its threatened judgment could be averted. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Ephesians 1:3-14 Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV), Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. A Prayer for God's Power. Verse Concepts. They are not experienced in time, but in eternity. W From the Scriptures, we have seen that suffering is neither incompatible with faith nor inconsistent with Gods blessings. All of those referred to were people who obtained Gods approval through their faith in Gods promise. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts. (20) If Gods blessing cannot be equated with prosperity and ease, neither can it be said that His blessing is automatically associated with asceticism (denying ourselves of earthly pleasures). The Book of Hebrews brings the Old Testament faith into focus and clearly describes the nature of the blessings God promised and for which believers waited in faith. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023, What in the World Is Going On? All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. He leads me beside still waters. It is in Christ, the seed of Abraham, that we are blessed. The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. For He knows the secrets of the heart. Oh, God, help us to live with faith. You shall not prolong your days in the land where you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess it. The Hebrews were Christians who came out of Judaism by faith in Jesus Christ. If we had forgotten the name of our God, Or extended our hands to a strange god; Would not God find this out? Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. With that in mind, what is a biblical definition of what it means to be truly blessed?. Thou dost sell Thy people cheaply, And hast not profited by their sale. Your basket and your kitchen will be blessed. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. Philippians 3:8-12 These six blessings summarize what it means to live forever under the kingdom, the heavenly rule of God: So in summary, (1) the presence of God seen and enjoyed in the face of Christ, (2) covering us with mercy because of all our sins, (3) calling us his children, (4) comforting us for all pain and loss in this world, (5) bequeathing to us the universe for a familiar homeland, and (6) everything set right in our souls and in the social order of the new world this is our great reward. When Adam and Eve disobeyed the command of God and sinned in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the human race. The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. Jesus said to him, Have you believed because you have seen me? You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household. Ezekiel 44:30 (NIV), Give freely without begrudging it, and the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due. These can all be good things, but I think you could also argue that if these blessings lead us further away from God, they are not truly blessings at all. Always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. Publication date: Mar 3, 2023. Proverbs 15:6 says, "In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but in the revenues of the wicked there is trouble.". Ephesians 1:3-5. His desire was to demonstrate His blessings to all men so that men from every nation would seek blessing in Him. Thou dost make us a reproach to our neighbors, A scoffing and a derision to those around us. Gods promise to Abraham included a land and a seed. Abrahams seed was to begin with a son. Related Topics: Dispensational / Covenantal Theology, Theology Proper (God), Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. First and foremost, Gods blessing involves the forgiveness of our sins, the defeat and destruction of Satan, the passing away of that which is old and corrupted by sin, and the creation of that which is holy and acceptable. (13) Adversity and suffering is not synonymous with sin and cursing. The Christian life should be lived out in the light of the superiority of Gods promised blessings in comparison to the blessings an ungodly world holds out to us (Hebrews 11:24-26). I believe this is the dwelling of which our Lord Jesus spoke just before His death: Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. For there are no pains in their death; And their body is fat. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect (Hebrews 11:32-40). Selah. When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Email: berean@bereanbiblesociety.org Two Minutes with the Bible lets you start your day with short but powerful Bible study articles from the Berean Bible Society. (6) Gods glory is revealed in both His blessing and His cursing (see Exodus 34:5-7). And there shall no longer be any night; and they shall not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God shall illumine them; and they shall reign forever and ever (Revelation 22:1-5). Many were the times in Israels history when God brought calamity upon His people due to their sins, yet the nation Israel never seemed to learn her lesson (see Psalm 78). Phone: (262) 255-4750 Blessings have to do with God's Kingdom. We will never share your personal information and you can unsubscribe at any time. The term blessed is thrown around in our culture today, and its all over our Bibles too. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. The pure shall see God. These are the very ones who would be chided today for their lack of faith. The true view of temporal blessing seeks the enjoyment of Gods presence whether in pain or pleasure. (3) The Jews thought of Gods blessings in terms of material prosperity and His cursings in terms of material adversity and physical affliction. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. God is strong, and he wants you strong. The first recorded promise of Abrahams son was made when Abraham was seventy-five years old (Genesis 12:4).98 Yet the child was not born to Abraham and Sarah until he was one-hundred years old (Genesis 21:5). Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. With the coming of Christ, the blessings of God are more spiritual than material, and they come to those who appear not to be blessed as men would appraise blessing (see Luke 6:20-23). Arouse Thyself, why dost Thou sleep, O Lord? He suffered because of his impatience in acquiring a son through Hagar. (2) In what ways does God bless all men? We begin to make decisions and to pursue a course of action which takes away the pain. Moms come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing's for sureall moms need to connect with other moms! I see the term blessed associated with material possessions or family or health. If Thy law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction (Psalm 119:92). The writer to the Hebrews differs with such thinking. To belong to Christ is to belong to God as our Father and to be heirs of all that God owns that is, everything. The writer may have meant that they were given promises, but they did not receive them. They think of Gods blessings primarily in terms of that which is physical and material.102 They believe that because Christ has come, every promised blessing can be ours, now, if we but believe and ask for them in faith. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing upon the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. But Thou hast saved us from our adversaries, And Thou hast put to shame those who hate us. 98 This verse tells us that Abraham was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. When I pondered to understand this, It was troublesome in my sight Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I perceived their end. All this has come upon us, but we have not forgotten Thee, And we have not dealt falsely with Thy covenant. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Thy works (Psalm 73:1-28). Divine blessing certainly is not well understood. Your children will be blessed, as well as your crops; your herds will be blessed with calves and your flocks with lambs. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. G Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. When Israel turned from God, the promised cursings came. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? It was not in Abrahams lifetime that the promise of a great nation was fulfilled. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit., Saying, If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. Temporal blessings are those blessings which God bestows upon sinful men, living in a fallen world, flowing from His grace. It is the blessing to which Abraham and every other Old Testament saint looked forward. And he said, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake (Matthew 5:10). And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1-3). He blesses the Christian temporally by His presence, by producing our growth and maturity, and by creating a hunger for the full and final blessings of heaven. This, we felt, would add to the interest, especially since our readers understand that they first appeared as newspaper articles.". Our very clothing is a physicalblessing. With Thy counsel Thou wilt guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him! Abrahams life had its own trials. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. It is that New Jerusalem which comes down from heaven at our Lords return (Revelation 21:1-2). Philippians 4:19 These blessings fit the definition laid down in Proverbs 10:22: It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. Perhaps the most puzzling passage in the Old Testament concerning Gods blessings comes from the Book of Proverbs: It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it (Proverbs 10:22). God not only graciously blesses men, He also graciously delays the curse so that men might be saved (see Romans 9:22-24). The Bible teaches that all spiritual blessings are available only "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true. And He said to me, It is done. Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him (Deuteronomy 8:2-6). Put it at the disposal of me and my mission. Thats the kind of radical life were called to live in the New Testament. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. Let no one boast in men. Humble yourself as Jesus said: "Blessed are the 'poor in spirit': for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 5:3) Read this and the other eight blessings for you as they were explained by Jesus, in Matthew 5, which are keys to unlocking such personal blessings. U Trust in Him, and you will be blessed. (5) God is able to bless men because He has borne their curse in Christ, and thus His holiness is maintained in His grace (see Romans 3:24-26). The blessings here are plainly associated with happiness and welfare, both for Abram and others. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Jacob saw much strife in his family and suffered much over the loss of Joseph and then Benjamin. I have become a cynic when it comes to promises received in the mail. And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. At times like these, the Word of God becomes much more precious and meaningful: Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Thy word (Psalm 119:67). Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. When my heart was embittered, And I was pierced within, Then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before Thee. That is why God blessed him. Jeremiah 22:15 (NLT), Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. (8) Divine cursing or condemnation is based upon an individuals decision and works. It is also only in eternity that the curse of God will be fully poured out on sinners. You will be blessed when you come in and when you go out. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Verse Concepts. God chose Israel as the object of His blessings. At the time of Sarahs death, the land of Canaan was possessed by the Canaanites (Genesis 12:6) and Abraham did not own any part of the promised land. Proud member Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it; if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will think better of the good with which I had promised to bless it (Jeremiah 18:7-10). These are not always material blessings, however. Therefore his people return to this place; And waters of abundance are drunk by them. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. He makes me lie down in green pastures. Browse the best Bible verses about blessings in this collection of scripture quotes: Photo credit: GettyImages/Digitalskillet. So it is today. God blesses the Christian by bearing our curse in the person of Jesus Christ. (2) Gods curse is the process of bringing about mans deserved retribution of divine judgment.