Blessed to be a blessing

Blessed to be a blessing

Scripture:

 This is what the Lord says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain. ” Zechariah 8:3

“The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people. Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong. Zechariah 8:12-13

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord. Zechariah 8:16-17

Observation:

In the first Scripture, we see the Lord’s promise concerning Jerusalem, how He will return and stay there with His people. Our God is not a distant God, who is too busy to care about us down here on earth. His eyes are always on us, and He is always concerned for us. He is a relational God who loves to be with us, His people, and one day, when He restores all things, He will come down and stay together with us. How wonderful!

In the second Scripture, we see great blessings from God upon His people – fruitfulness and rain and dew. Instead of being a curse, Judah and Israel will become a blessing.  In our Lord Jesus Christ, we too have that blessed destiny, not to be cursed but to be a blessing. We are never meant to hoard up blessing for ourselves, but to bless others freely as we are blessed.

In the third Scripture, we see God’s command to His people to speak truthfully to each other and act justly. They are told not to intend evil or lie. As we grow in God, let us continue to seek truth and justice in our lives, and shun lies and evil plotting.

Application:

Praise God for His great love for us. Praise Him that He is a God who cares, who loves to be with us, and who will one day stay with us. Believe that in Christ, we are blessed and not cursed. On the cross, He took our curses that we might receive His blessing, and we are blessed not just for ourselves, but to be a blessing. Recognize that God desires us to be truthful and just and to shun away from lies and ill-intention towards others.

Prayer:

Praise You, Heavenly Father for You love us so much, and it is Your will to dwell with us. Thank You, Lord Jesus, that in You, I am blessed and free from curse. Let me be a blessing to others O Lord, just as you bless me! Help me be truthful and just always in my dealings, and lead me away from lies and evil intentions towards others. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.