We Are Blessed

Scripture: Numbers 23:7-8,
“Balak summoned me to come from Aram; the king of Moab brought me from the eastern hills. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘curse Jacob for me! Come and announce Israel’s doom.’
8  But how can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I condemn those
whom the Lord has not condemned?...20 Listen, I received a command to bless;
God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!"

Observations:
When Balaam received an invitation from King Balak to curse God's people, he fully intended to do whatever it took to make a quick buck, even if it meant going against the Lord. But when he arrived and saw the Israelite camp, he quickly recognized that no amount of sorcery would be able to curse what God had already blessed. There's something to be said for having a right relationship with God simply because of the benefits that come with it. God's blessing was so powerful that every time Israel's enemies opposed them, it was as if they were opposing God, so long as they obedient to Him. God was watching out for them even though they weren't even really aware of the threats all around them. The power of God's blessing was no match for anything they faced.

Application:
When God promises to bless us, He means it. He doesn't say things He doesn't really mean. The Bible assures us as believers that "If God is for us, who then can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Because of Christ we have access to God, who is immortal, invincible, and unstoppable. So long as we remain in relationship with Him, we can expect the same promise of God to continue in our own lives as we choose to be obedient to Him. Jesus promised "Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father" (John 15:5-8). God truly desires to bless us, not just for blessings' sake, but because when we are blessed it brings glory to Him. When we are blessed, God is glorified, and the world takes notice.

Prayer:
Father, help us today to remain in You in everything we do. Be Lord over all that we say and do that we might experience Your blessing today and so that You will be glorified in our world. Amen.


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