And I Will Bless ThemНамуна
Jesus and Blessing
Jesus was profoundly oriented to blessing. Not only did He tell His followers that they were to bless those who cursed them (Luke 6:28); but He also rebuked His disciples for attempting to block the parents who brought their children to be blessed (Mark 10:16).
Jesus reminded His followers that blessing comes to those who give love to the least, the last and the lost. “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:13-14 NIV).
And then Jesus talked of a blessing of power to bear witness: “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them” (Luke 24:49-50 NIV).
Notice that it was while He was blessing them that He left them and was taken up into Heaven (Luke 24:51). Tongues of fire would later descend in the upper room and empower the disciples for service (Acts 2:3-4).
Jesus is our example. He ministered and did what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19); and He told the disciples that they could expect to minister in the same way and that they would see even greater things (John 14:12).
We are released to the full purpose for which we were made when we carry God’s presence, minister to Him in spirit and truth and speak blessings. The power and authority for healing and restoration is released when we speak the words that Heaven speaks. When we ask that it might be on Earth as it is in Heaven, we are speaking the words that Heaven spoke through Jesus.
The miracles that occur can be life-changing.
What miracle in your life or another person’s life are you seeking God for?
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About this Plan
For followers of Christ, the ministry of spoken blessing introduces the present reality and power of the inbreaking kingdom of God. It conveys the authority of God to shatter curses and release captives. These devotions explore this ancient biblical practice of blessing. If you are a believer, God is calling you to the ministry of spoken blessing—and to know that His deep desire is to bless you as well.
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