"This goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing." (1 Peter 3:9, The Message).
We have been called to live exemplary lives — the kind that inspire others to do the same. This is our assignment from Jesus. The challenge is that we have been placed in a world filled with un-exemplary conduct.
From Main Street to the Back Streets; from Broadway to the Belt-Way; from Wall Street to the Waysides — name calling, finger pointing, blame-fixing, sass and sarcasm are the standard fare. We are living in a grown up school yard — but no one seems to have grown up.
So the Lord has given us a job.
"BLESS," He says to each one of us, "That's your job — to bless." And then He adds this wonderful promise: "You will BE a blessing, and will also GET a blessing."
This reminds me of a very graphic dream I had a few years ago. Be sure to read tomorrow's post, for I'll pass the dream along to you. Then you can decide for yourself what kind of job performance you will commit to in this assignment the Lord has given us.
The man who blesses others will himself be blessed. Whatever measure you mete out will be measured back to you. In yet another text Jesus said "bless those who curse you!" (Matthew 5:44).
Could it be that the blessing we speak to those who are cursing us is for the purpose of keeping us from coming into the place of cursing ourselves? I think so. How solemn to think that cursing another postures you to receive that very curse upon yourself!
But then, how wonderful to believe that by blessing another you inevitably inherit the blessing yourself!
- Rylisms
Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Uw nieuwe werkopdracht: zegen!
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