Be a Blessing, Reach the World for ChristSample

God's people were supposed to be a blessing in Old Testament times

Yesterday we read that God visited Abraham and promised him that he would be a blessing to those around him. Abraham's descendants, the people of Israel, were also called to be a blessing to those around them.

After God delivers the Israelites from Egypt, He gives them the law in Exodus 20. But first He tells them what He expects of them, just as He did with Abraham. He tells the Israelites that they will be a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6)! What did priests do? They sacrificed on behalf of others, they delivered God's message to the people and blessed them. The Israelites had to do the same for the nations around them. They had to be like priests! They had to plead with God for these people, tell them about God and bless them. In the law, God also gives strangers a place. They are given protection and some laws, such as the commandment to rest from work on the Sabbath, also apply to them.

Later in the Old Testament, we see that the people are actually aware of their responsibility towards other nations. When the temple is consecrated, we read that Solomon prays for the nations that surround Israel. We read in the Psalms that the nations are called to serve Israel's God as well. And the prophets' message is not only for Israel, but also for the neighboring nations. In short, Israel is given the same mission as Abraham: "Be a blessing to those around you". What do you think our assignment would be?

There are many people in this world who do believe that there is 'something' between heaven and earth, but they do not know exactly what. These people could be called 'somethingists'. Another group of people believe that there is nothing between heaven and earth. They are called 'atheists'.

Pray for the people around you who believe in 'something' but don't know what this 'something' is. Pray also for the people who say that they do not believe in anything. Pray that God may become a reality in their lives and they will experience His love.