Initial Blessing

In the last lesson, we reflected on God's blessing in Creation.

A very short while later, in Genesis 1, we read about the creation of humanity:

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.' So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth."

This is a passage with many implications, but I particularly want us to notice that as soon as God created the first humans, God blessed them. The first act of the Creator, upon making us, was to bless us.

That raises the question: what does it mean to be blessed by God?

At a minimum, it means that God has a good intention for us. God loves us. God wants us to know him and to delight in the life he has given to us. I'm reminded of the famous blessing in Numbers 6:

"May the LORD bless you and protect you; may the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD look with favor on you and give you peace."

From the very moment of our first existence, God's intended to bless humanity. This should encourage our hearts.

We didn't have to prove anything to God. We didn't have to accomplish anything. God created Adam and Eve - and instantly, immediately, his first action was to bless them.

What is God's true heart for us? It is to bless us. It is all a gift. Here is the gift of existing. I will honor you and allow you to bear my image. And as my image bearers, you are blessed.

Meditate on Numbers 6:24-26 this week, receiving God's blessing over your life.