A Blessing

In the episode, where Jacob wrestled the whole night with the Lord at the brook and would not let Him go until he had received His blessing; we would wonder with regard to the import and urgency of this blessing. Why is blessing so consequential with the people of Israel? A father’s blessing was of great significance as evidenced in the blessing of Joseph’s sons, in the controversy arising by Jacob supplanting Esau’s privilege. Many today will still seek blessing. Some make dedicated endeavor by works and stricture. But there is this blessing than perchance we have not fully appreciated;

Then turning to the disciples He said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it." (Luk 10:23)


What blessing is our Lord Jesus Christ referring here to? How are we, His disciples blessed more than prophets and kings? Do we know and treasure the worth of this blessing?

In his last speech to the people of Israel, Moses had this to say;

"Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the rules that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the LORD your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, (Deut 6:1-3)

After a lengthy preamble, he had these words to add; “Hear therefore, O Israel,”. The prophets and the Lord Himself have observed and chided that oftentimes Israel although having ears were unable to hear. A frequent maxim announcing subjects of consequence is found in the precursor,“he that has ears let him hear”.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (Joh 10:27)

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Mat 7:21-24)

The Lord’s is clear and precise in His words. His lordship is not premised on us calling Him Lord, nor proofed by great deeds in His Name. He is still Lord, whether we regard Him as Lord or not. His Lordship, given to Him by the Father, is not dependent on our acceptance or acknowledgement. Knowing Him and more importantly, He knowing us is attested to, by our being able to hear and know His voice. His sheep hear His voice and follows Him in doing the Father’s will. It is indeed worrisome that on that day, many, many will hear Him declare those fearful words; “I never knew you; depart from Me,”

Consider our blessings seriously; have we conclusive evidence of this particular blessing? Can we, and do we hear and recognize His voice? How often do we hear and seek His voice? By His grace and in His bountiful mercies, we will then be enabled to follow His example of obedience ,and be conformed, to bear His image more and more, to the glory of the Father.

God bless.



/ckh