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Blessing in Fellowship
by Major Robert Evans
While reading one of my text books for this semester of study
I stumbled across a very interesting context for the word
"blessing." The author asserts that, "Blessing in the
Bible is something that unites men and women with God and each
other and brings them into a permanent fellowship" (Paul E.
Pierson, The Dynamics of Christian Mission).
In this context, the meaning implies that blessing has little
to do with individual "divine favour and protection" (as
defined in the Oxford dictionary) and more to do with divine
communion that fosters unity and intimacy between God and His
people - "I have given them the glory that you gave me,
that they may be one as we are one - I in them and you in me -
so that they may be brought to complete unity" (John
17:22-23). Immediately after reading this I began
to wonder how this definition of blessing would apply to the
Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12 where being 'blessed' is the
central theme...
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven."
The
blessing of the kingdom of heaven is fellowship within
God's community.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
The
blessing of comfort is fellowship with God's Spirit
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
The
blessing of inheritance is fellowship in God's kingdom
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness, for they will be filled."
The
blessing of abundance is fellowship at God's table
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
The
blessing of mercy is fellowship with God's heart
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
The
blessing of intimacy is fellowship in God's glory
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children
of God."
The
blessing of adoption is fellowship in God's family
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of
righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
The
blessing of the kingdom of heaven is fellowship within
God's community
Blessed are those who live in complete unity with God and His
people, who are embraced by the love of the Father, who
experience the grace of Jesus Christ and who enjoy fellowship
with Holy Spirit!
- See more at:
http://ephesiansfour12.blogspot.ca/#sthash.a04samg6.dpuf
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