Welcome to another episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions. Here, we explore the truths that nourish your spirit, strengthen your soul, and support your physical well-being, all through the lens of God’s Word. Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that is both ancient and profoundly relevant for Christians today—the unique blessing of Abraham.
God’s Promise to Abraham: A Blessing Like No Other
When we talk about blessings in the Bible, Abraham’s blessing stands out as something truly special. But what exactly is this blessing, and why is it so significant?
Let’s start by looking at the foundational scripture where God speaks directly to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV): "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
These verses are part of what is known as the Abrahamic Covenant, a special agreement between God and Abraham. This blessing includes three key elements:
A Great Nation: God promises to make Abraham the father of a great nation, which would later become the nation of Israel.
A Great Name: Abraham’s name would be known and honored throughout history.
A Blessing to All Nations: Through Abraham, every nation on earth would be blessed—pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ, who would come through Abraham’s lineage.
This blessing wasn’t just for Abraham’s lifetime. It was designed to be passed down through his descendants, creating a lasting legacy that we still talk about thousands of years later.
The Lineage of Blessing: From Abraham to Jacob
Now, let’s explore how this blessing was passed down through the generations. Abraham had several children—most notably Ishmael and Isaac. However, the specific blessing of Abraham was passed down to Isaac, not to Ishmael.
In Genesis 17:19 (NIV), God says to Abraham: "Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him."
This shows that God chose Isaac to carry forward the blessing. Isaac, in turn, had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Though Esau was the firstborn and typically would have received the father’s blessing, Jacob ended up receiving the blessing of Abraham.
In Genesis 27:36 (NIV), Esau acknowledges this: "Esau said, 'Isn't he rightly named Jacob? This is the second time he has taken advantage of me: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!'"
God’s choice of Jacob over Esau was a part of His divine plan. Later, Jacob (also known as Israel) became the father of twelve sons, who would become the twelve tribes of Israel. At this point, the blessing extended to all of Jacob’s children, making them the carriers of Abraham’s blessing.
The Blessing of Abraham and the New Testament Believer
Now that we understand how the blessing of Abraham was passed down in the Old Testament, let’s see how this blessing applies to us as Christians today. The New Testament reveals that the blessing of Abraham is not limited to his physical descendants—it’s available to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
In Galatians 3:29 (NIV), the Apostle Paul explains: "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise."
What does this mean? Simply put, if you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are spiritually considered a child of Abraham. This makes you an heir to the blessing of Abraham! This blessing isn’t just about material wealth or land; it’s about having a relationship with God, being part of His family, and receiving His promises.
Paul further emphasizes this in Galatians 3:14 (NIV): "He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."
Through faith in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit—the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. This connects us directly to the blessing that God originally gave to Abraham.
Walking in the Blessing of Abraham Today
As Christians, we are invited to walk in the blessing of Abraham every day. But what does that look like practically?
Understanding Your Identity: First, it’s important to recognize that you are a child of Abraham through faith in Jesus Christ. This means you have a spiritual inheritance that includes God’s favor, provision, and protection.
Living by Faith: Abraham is known as the father of faith because he trusted God’s promises, even when they seemed impossible. In the same way, we are called to live by faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in our lives.
Claiming God’s Promises: The blessing of Abraham includes being a blessing to others. As we walk in this blessing, we should look for opportunities to be a blessing to those around us—whether through acts of kindness, sharing the gospel, or simply living out God’s love in our daily lives.
Embracing the Blessing of Abraham
The blessing of Abraham is not just a part of ancient history; it’s a living promise that has been extended to every believer in Christ. By understanding this blessing and walking in it, we can experience the fullness of what God has for us.
How has the blessing of Abraham impacted your life? Have you seen this blessing at work in your walk with Christ? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below, and let’s continue to explore this powerful legacy together.
Excellent Article Doc; Praise GOD for the BLESSINGS of ABRAHAM