“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
(Galatians 3:14)
The gospel fulfills one of the greatest wonders of God’s redemptive purpose, which is that the blessing first promised to Abraham is now available to sinners from every nation through Jesus Christ. What was promised in ages past to that great patriarch was accomplished through the work of the Redeemer. And as Scripture declares, those who were once strangers to the covenants of promise are now brought near through faith in Christ and made heirs of the blessings secured by His obedience and sacrifice.
By nature, all men are under the curse of the broken law. Every descendant of Adam is guilty before divine justice and unable to rescue himself from condemnation. Yet God, rich in mercy, provided a way of deliverance. Christ was made a curse for His people that they might receive the blessing promised to Abraham. Through His atoning death, the curse is removed and the blessing secured.
This blessing is not received by religious ceremony or personal achievement. It can only come through faith in Jesus Christ. Abraham himself is the great example of this truth. Before the law was given, before circumcision was instituted, Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. His faith rested solely on God’s promise, and through that faith he became the father of all who believe.
As Abraham left his country in obedience to God’s call, so believers are called to trust the Lord above earthly securities. Faith looks beyond present circumstances and rests on the faithfulness of God. It embraces His promises even when the fulfillment remains unseen.
Faith, therefore, must never be separated from obedience. Those who belong to Christ have a growing desire to walk according to His commandments. Obedience does not earn the blessing, but it demonstrates the reality of a heart that has received it. The blessing promised to Abraham produces a people who seek to honor God in every area of life.[1]
This means that, in turn, we are called to be a blessing to others. Those who have received mercy should show mercy. Those who have been forgiven should forgive. Those who have received grace should extend grace. The blessing of God is not meant to terminate with His people but to flow through them for the good of others.
How secure, then, is the condition of those who are blessed by God, for their peace does not depend on favorable circumstances. Their security does not rest in earthly power nor can their joy be taken away by changing conditions. Whether sickness comes, dangers arise, or earthly comforts disappear, the blessing secured through Christ endures forever.
Contemplations:
- The Grace That Brought Me Into God’s Blessing. I am amazed by the mercy of God. By nature I stood under condemnation with no claim nor right to His favor. Yet through the work of Christ, the blessing promised to Abraham has been extended to sinners like me. This truth humbles me and reminds me that every spiritual privilege I enjoy is the result of grace alone.
- The Object of My Desires. Many distractions compete for my attention and affection, which causes me to question whether I treasure the blessing of God above temporary comforts and earthly advantages. Indeed, the condition of my heart is revealed by what I pursue the most and what I fear losing the most.
- The Marks of True Blessedness. Christ’s description of the blessed life differs greatly from the world’s definition of happiness. Poverty of spirit, meekness, mercy, purity, and a hunger for righteousness are not qualities admired by natural man. I am therefore encouraged to seek the kind of character that God Himself commends rather than the approval of the world around me.
- The Security of God’s Favor. The circumstances of life are uncertain, but the blessing of God is never so. His favor rests on His people because of Christ, not because of changing conditions. This gives me assurance when life becomes difficult and comfort when fear grows. Whatever trials may come, I can rest in the knowledge that the God who has blessed me in Christ will never abandon His purposes toward me.
Prayer (Adoration):
Holy and gracious God, I adore You for the greatness of Your mercy and the wisdom of Your redeeming purpose. Before the foundation of the world, You ordained a way by which sinners from every nation would be brought into Your covenant blessing through Jesus Christ. Your plans cannot fail, and Your promises stand firm throughout all generations.
How glorious is the work of Your Son, who bore the curse His people deserved and secured the blessing they could never earn. In Him justice is satisfied, mercy is displayed, and salvation is accomplished. The beauty of His person and the perfection of His work call my heart to worship.
You are worthy of all honor because You did not leave fallen men to perish in their rebellion. Instead, You accomplished a salvation that magnifies Your holiness, Your righteousness, Your truth, and Your love. Every aspect of redemption displays the excellence of Your character and declares the greatness of Your name.
I adore You because Your favor is better than all earthly treasures. Kingdoms rise and fall, riches increase and disappear, and the glory of this world fades like grass, yet the blessing You bestow through Christ endures forever.
May my thoughts be increasingly occupied with Your majesty and my life devoted to Your glory. You alone are the source of every blessing, the giver of every good gift, and the everlasting refuge of Your people.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
Acts 2:33; Eph. 1:13; Joel 2:28; Rom. 4:16
[1] Jonathan Edwards, “When God Blesses, None Can Reverse It,” in Jonathan Edwards Sermons, ed. Wilson H. Kimnach (New Haven, CT: The Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University, 1746), Nu 23:20.
