How to be Blessed

O. T. #1384  "How to be Blessed"
Feb. 8, 2019
Psalm 128
Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in His ways. Psalm 128:1

LET IT GLOW

Step 9: The Lord blesses those faithful.

Now before we dive into today's chapter, let me say up front that I do not support  a prosperity gospel that health, wealth, and prosperity come to those who have enough faith. Although, I think that God does respond to our obedience with blessings.

Here are some verses that show we are blessed when we obey:
In Luke 11:27-28, Jesus says we are blessed whenever we hear the Word of God and keep it.
In John 13:14-17, Jesus explains that we will be happy when we serve another.

So I looked up the meaning of blessed. There are two Hebrew words for it, esher and barak.
Esher (eh'sher) refers to happiness; how happy!
Barak means to bless God (as an act of adoration); kneel down; praise; thank.

Do you see the difference in the two? The first one is what God does and the second meaning is the action we do.
Who does God bless in verse 1? Everyone that feareth the Lord and follows Him in obedience.
If we are walking in God's ways, we are going to love our enemies, be a giving person, live faithful to our spouse, and love our family. Are we doing those things?

I like what is said in Life Application Study Bible:

A good family life is a reward fro following God. The values outlined in God's Word include love, service, honesty, integrity, and prayer. Those help all relationships, and they are especially vital to home life. Is your home life heavenly or hectic? Rewarding and obeying God's Word is a good place to start to make your family all that it should be.

LET IT GROW

The MacArthur Bible Commentary gives 4 blessings mentions in this chapter:

1. provisions
2. prosperity
3. reproducing partner
4. flourishing progeny.

Two realms of blessings are mentioned: personal blessing and national blessing.

We will be happy and it will go well with us when we respect and obey God. We will have food from our labor, children around the table, and see our grandchildren. Does it get any better?

LET IT GO

Insert your name:
Linda will be happy when she fears the Lord and walks in His ways.
She will eat from her labor blessed.
She will have children around the table.
She will be blessed when she fears and stands in awe of God.
Linda will enjoy life and prosper, so enjoy your grandchildren.