Our Father’s Blessing

“So God created mankind in his own image…male and female he created them [and] God blessed them…” Genesis 1:27-28

“…He lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven.” Luke 24: 50-51

God’s first act upon creating mankind was to bless them, decreeing fruitfulness, dominion and provision over their lives (Genesis 1:27-29). And then the last act of Jesus in the flesh on Earth was to bless his disciples; he was blessing even as he was taken up into heaven (Luke 24: 50-51).

Spanning the centuries between these momentous events, there are multiple instances of God blessing His people which portray the heart of our Father for his beloved children. Not a wicked, spiteful or punishing heart as the enemy would have us believe; rather, a heart that is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin (Exodus 34:6-7a). It is true that God is the perfect judge, and that He remits justice for sin. Yet, in the midst of judgment, He extends grace and restoration to hearts that are willing.

Piercing the chaos of COVID-19, the words of Jesus ring out with burning truth, offering His peace – “In the world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

This truth is illustrated by the divine inspiration of The Blessing – a song sent from heaven in these troubling times to remind us of our Father’s blessing, favor and presence as we struggle to make sense of it all.

I have been deeply blessed by The Blessing; I pray you are as well.

Listen to the original version of The Blessing by Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe here: