Growth Points: Receiving a Blessing

“… to this you were called so that you might inherit a blessing …”  1 Peter 3:9

The word of God is clear that God has called us in order to bless us. He means us well.

How often this simple truth is forgotten. Relgion emphasizes our doing things in order to receive these blessings from an otherwise disinterested and uncaring deity. Its motto is: our devotion first, and then God’s blessing.

But the New Testament teaches a reverse order: God’s blessing first, and then our devotion. As we read, “While we were still sinnners Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8), and we also read, ”I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature” (Rom 7:18). It is impossible for me to earn blessings from God through my devotion, simply because I am a sinner and in need of God’s grace.

But neither do I have to, for God offers them to me freely through Christ, by His grace. In fact, only through His help can I even begin to live a life that is really pleasing to Him. I need His blessing first, and He offers His blessing to me on the merits of Jesus Christ.

I heard of a young American boy who was so impressed with the Statue of Liberty that, showing the few dollars he had in his pocket he asked a guard if he could buy it and take it home. The guard said to him, “No, son, you may not for three reasons: First, it is not for sale. Second, even if it were you could not afford it. Millions of dollars could not purchase this statue, let alone the few you have shown me. But, third, you don’t have to buy it, as an American citizen it already belongs to you. It is your birthright.”

Couldn’t we say the same thing about the blessings of God? First, they are not for sale. Second, if they were we could not afford them. A life of complete dedication would not be sufficient, let alone the infrequent moments of sporadic devotion we show. But, third, we already have them in Christ Jesus, given to us freely by His grace because He loves us.

Let these thoughts be an encouragement to you today as you grow in the Lord. All the blessings of joy and peace and usefulness, of care and encouragement and the knowledge of His love, that God has planned for you He gives freely. Rejoice in His love today, and let that reality be cause for your devotion to Him.

Blessings,

Pastor