Blessings in Jesus

As Christ followers, we are a blessed people. As we contemplate the victory of Easter, let’s rejoice that we are joint heirs with Christ. We are God’s children. New life and hope have arrived because of Christ’s sacrifice for us.

1 Peter 1: 2-4 ESV “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,”

John 1:16-17 “For from his fullness we have received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

We walk in so much grace and blessing in our lives that we can begin to take it for granted. We know that God is on our side and walking us through the tough things of life. Let’s not forget that it is something that we are not due, and have not earned. It is simply grace: the unmerited favor and love of God poured out.

Psalm 103:2,8,10-11 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;”

There are 2 distinct definitions often applied to the word ‘blessed’. The first, refers to something that has been made holy or consecrate to God. The second, is someone who has been endowed with divine favor and protection. We are the blessed ones. The Bible tells us of the blessings that come with following God’s ways, in Deuteronomy 28: 1-2.

“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God.”

The blessings of God are ours and come with a promise. However, we are not able to fulfill the law and be obedient in our own strength. Only by grace can we walk in God’s favor and blessing. As Jesus was nearing the end of His earthly life and ministry, He talked to the disciples about what to expect, but they didn’t understand.

John 14:3-6 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going. Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus made a way for us to come to the Father, and to become God’s beloved children. As we approach Easter, let’s be filled with gratitude and joy for the blessings of the resurrection and the love of God.

1 Peter 1:8 “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.”

Happy Easter