Blessing

In the biblical context, a blessing is a divine favor or gift bestowed by God upon individuals or groups. It is often associated with prosperity, protection, and spiritual well-being. The concept of blessing is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, as seen throughout the Scriptures.

The first instance of blessing in the Bible occurs in Genesis 1:28, where God blesses Adam and Eve, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth." This blessing establishes humanity's role in creation and God's intention for human flourishing.

In the patriarchal narratives, blessings are significant in the transmission of God's promises. For example, in Genesis 12:2-3, God promises Abram, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This covenantal blessing is foundational for the nation of Israel and ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah.

The priestly blessing, found in Numbers 6:24-26, is a well-known example of a formal blessing: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." This blessing, given by the priests to the people of Israel, encapsulates God's protection, grace, and peace.

In the New Testament, blessings continue to play a vital role. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes, a series of blessings that describe the character and rewards of those who belong to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3-12). Additionally, the apostle Paul frequently opens his letters with blessings, such as in Ephesians 1:3: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms."

Sending

The concept of sending in the Bible often involves a divine commission or mission. God sends individuals to fulfill specific purposes, whether it be delivering messages, leading His people, or proclaiming the Gospel.

In the Old Testament, God frequently sends prophets to speak His word to the people of Israel. For instance, in Isaiah 6:8, the prophet responds to God's call, saying, "Here am I. Send me!" This sending signifies a divine appointment and the authority to speak on behalf of God.

The sending motif is also evident in the life of Moses, whom God sends to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. In Exodus 3:10, God commands Moses, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." Moses' sending is accompanied by God's assurance of His presence and power.

In the New Testament, the sending of Jesus Christ is central to the Gospel message. John 3:17 states, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." Jesus' mission is to bring salvation and reveal the Father to humanity.

After His resurrection, Jesus commissions His disciples, sending them into the world to continue His work. In John 20:21, He says, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you." This sending is empowered by the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of sending in the context of evangelism and church planting. In Romans 10:15, he writes, "And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" The act of sending is integral to the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early church.

In summary, both blessing and sending are significant themes in the Bible, reflecting God's desire to bestow favor and commission His people for His purposes. These concepts are interwoven throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's active involvement in the lives of His people and His redemptive plan for the world.