Blessings Defined by Jim Croft
Most of the time when believers refer to getting blessed, the innuendo is in relation to spiritual experiences. A rebel is born-again; a meaningful insight jumps off the page during devotions; or perhaps you get smacked with one of those love nudges from the Holy Spirit that everyone enjoys. Those are indeed blessings, but they don’t encompass the entirety of what the Bible refers to when speaking of blessings.
Often, what the Bible identifies as blessings have tangible form. God blessed Abraham with heaps of gold and silver, herds of livestock, an abundance of camels and donkeys and male and female servants. (Genesis 24:35) Though his son, Isaac, was born into wealth, God blessed Isaac in his own right. His prosperity increased by such uncommon proportions that his heathen neighbors became envious. (Genesis 26:12-14) Jacob followed suit and became exceedingly wealthy in his own right in addition to his paternal family inheritance. (Genesis 30:43)
Under the Old Covenant, God promised fabulous blessings to demonstrate practical proof that Israel was in covenant with Him. Keep in mind that New Testament believers have a better covenant established on better promises. (Hebrews 8:6) God told the Jews that He would bring them into a land where they would not lack anything. Their gold, silver, flocks and herds would multiply. They were to build beautiful houses in which to dwell. It is impressive that God endorses longings for beautiful homes. (Deuteronomy 8:7-17)
Jesus made a similar promise. Any believer who is willing to sacrifice houses and lands for the sake of the Gospel qualifies to receive a 100-fold increase of the same in This Life, as well as eternal life in the hereafter. (Mark 10:28-30)
Under the Old Covenant, God promised fabulous blessings to demonstrate practical proof that Israel was in covenant with Him. Keep in mind that New Testament believers have a better covenant established on better promises. (Hebrews 8:6) God told the Jews that He would bring them into a land where they would not lack anything. Their gold, silver, flocks and herds would multiply. They were to build beautiful houses in which to dwell. It is impressive that God endorses longings for beautiful homes. (Deuteronomy 8:7-17)
Jesus made a similar promise. Any believer who is willing to sacrifice houses and lands for the sake of the Gospel qualifies to receive a 100-fold increase of the same in This Life, as well as eternal life in the hereafter. (Mark 10:28-30)
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 places the benefits of the grace of giving into an attractive package. Those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully to use as they wish. That includes personal desires, family matters and the purposes of the Kingdom.
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