God's Blessing

In the biblical narrative, God's blessing is a central theme that signifies divine favor, provision, and protection. The concept of blessing is woven throughout Scripture, beginning with the creation account in Genesis. God blesses the living creatures and humanity, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:22, 28). This initial blessing establishes a pattern of God's benevolent intention for His creation.

The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are recipients of God's blessing, which often includes promises of land, descendants, and a special relationship with God. In Genesis 12:2-3, God tells Abraham, "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 underscores God's plan to extend His favor beyond Israel to all nations.

In the Mosaic Law, blessings are contingent upon obedience to God's commandments. Deuteronomy 28 outlines blessings for obedience, including prosperity, health, and victory over enemies. Conversely, disobedience results in curses. This conditional aspect of blessing highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.

The Psalms frequently speak of God's blessing as a source of joy and security. Psalm 1:1-3 describes the blessed man as one who delights in the law of the Lord, likening him to a tree planted by streams of water. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, also associates blessing with righteousness and wisdom, emphasizing that "The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it" (Proverbs 10:22).

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate blessing. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He fulfills the promises made to the patriarchs and extends God's blessing to all who believe. The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 describe the blessedness of those who embody the values of God's kingdom, such as humility, mercy, and peacemaking.

The apostolic writings affirm that believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). This includes adoption as God's children, redemption, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament emphasizes that God's blessing is not merely material but encompasses spiritual abundance and eternal life.

Remembrance

Remembrance in the Bible is a significant act that involves recalling God's past deeds, promises, and commandments. It serves as a means of maintaining faithfulness and gratitude towards God. The act of remembrance is both a divine and human activity, with God remembering His covenant and people, and His people called to remember His works and laws.

God's remembrance is often associated with His covenantal faithfulness. In Genesis 9:15-16, God promises Noah that He will remember His covenant with all living creatures, symbolized by the rainbow. This divine remembrance assures humanity of God's mercy and commitment to His creation.

The Exodus narrative highlights the importance of remembrance for the Israelites. God commands them to remember their deliverance from Egypt through the Passover celebration (Exodus 12:14). This act of remembrance reinforces their identity as God's chosen people and their obligation to live according to His statutes.

The Psalms frequently call upon the faithful to remember God's mighty acts and steadfast love. Psalm 77:11-12 states, "I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds." Such remembrance fosters trust and hope in God's continued faithfulness.

In the New Testament, Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper as a memorial of His sacrificial death. In Luke 22:19, He instructs His disciples, "Do this in remembrance of Me." This act of remembrance is central to Christian worship and serves as a proclamation of the Lord's death until He returns.

The apostolic writings encourage believers to remember the teachings and example of Christ. In 2 Timothy 2:8, Paul exhorts Timothy, "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel." This remembrance is vital for perseverance in faith and adherence to sound doctrine.

In summary, God's blessing and remembrance are intertwined themes that underscore the relationship between God and His people. Blessing reflects God's favor and provision, while remembrance calls for a response of faithfulness and gratitude. Together, they form a foundation for understanding the covenantal relationship that defines the biblical narrative.