This phrase can be taken so many different ways. Usually, it’s used to consider how many ways in which we have been blessed. And frankly, that’s a really good thing to do. We should consider the goodness of God at all times. This helps to drive a heart of thankfulness. However, have you ever stopped to consider how many people you might have blessed?
And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham lived at Beersheba (Gen 22:15-19).
When God chose Abraham as the father of a great nation and of a great people, he did so with the notion of Abraham and his seed being a blessing to the nations. When we read the history of the children of Israel, however, we see much of the opposite. We see little reflection of the goodness of the one true God as they began fashioning idols to worship instead. Of course, this isn’t indicative of everyone. We have records of those whom God counts as righteous because of their faith and determination to follow Him. But for the most part, the history of the Israelites has been representative of rebellion and resentment. It’s during times of captivity that God has raised certain men who have risen above it all and have managed to bless their captors. Think of Joseph, Nehemiah, and Daniel.
The reason I find this subject both interesting and important is simply because of the tendency to classify the Old Testament Law as dead, irrelevant, or possibly even fulfilled. It really wasn't until the last couple of years that I really started to rejoice in the Law. I have to admit that I too found it to be less than important to my own personal walk. When David says, "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee", is he talking about the Gospel? He's talking about the Law. I do not see how that really has an expiration date on it.
Ahhh, if you're really lucky, you might come across someone who'll bless your day by distinguishing between moral, civil, and ceremonial. And that's fine. But don't learn it with the intention of trying to figure out what you can and can't get away with. Rather, look into the purpose. You'll find that God provided a way to walk with him, to walk with man, and to restore peace with both in the event of sin.
So, while you find yourself counting all the ways you've been blessed today, I hope you take a moment to reflect on how you might have been a blessing to those around you.