The Higher Purpose of Blessings
Bible Readings
- Psalms 67:1 - God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
- Psalms 67:2 - That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
- Psalms 67:3 - Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
- Psalms 67:4 - O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
- Psalms 67:5 - Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
- Psalms 67:6 - Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
- Psalms 67:7 - God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
- Matthew 28:19 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
- Matthew 28:20 - Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Just as the Lord blesses you, He also desires you to be a blessing to others.
It is God's nature to bless. However, we must understand that His purpose is greater than we imagine. His primary purpose is broader than making us happy or prosperous. In fact, it is never His intention for the Lord's blessings to end with us. He desires for them to spread to others as part of His plan for the entire earth.
As we see in today's psalm, the Lord blesses us so that His salvation, His ways, and His righteousness may be known by every nation and people of the world (verses 2-4, 7). He always acts with this greater picture in mind – even when working on the smallest details of individual lives.
Knowing this should fill us with a magnificent, yet humble, sense of significance. Every believer has a role in helping others know and understand the one true God (Matthew 28:19-20). Every blessing from Him benefits us and at the same time is meant to further this purpose. If we are willing to align our desires with God's greater plans, we will experience the joy of being used by Him for great purposes.
When the Lord blesses you, He is not just doing something for you; He is also doing something in you and through you. Ask God how you can use His gifts to point people to Him.
🤔 Reflection
How can we use God's gifts to point people to Him?
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