“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.” Psalm 24:7
What is the blessing of God? How is it given? And, what are the conditions for receiving it?
In the book of Genesis, we find Jacob returning home after many years away, with very little, if any contact with his family. There was a problem for him to return home, and it had to do with Esau, his brother, who at one time desired to kill him. This was due to the fact that Jacob, having lied, and deceived his father, had stolen the birthright of Esau. Now Jacob finds himself ultimately “alone,” having wives and children, and all that he had acquired in Padan-aram, facing his brother who was on his way to meet him. Jacob had but one place to go for deliverance, protection, and a “way through the storm.” That way was God Himself. It must be said that Jacob is in this situation, according to the will of God, for God had told him: “Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred: and I will be with thee.” (Gen. 31:3) God’s promise to be with him, provides a basis for him coming to God, in the difficulty, but also, in the will of God. One other thing we see, and which was an encouragement to Jacob, was the coming of the “angels of God,” who met him at Mahanaim. However, it seems nothing prepared him fully for the anticipated meeting with Esau, for Jacob was of the opinion that he had not changed, and that, not only would Esau kill him, but also his family. We then find Jacob, the manipulator, alone with God, wrestling with a man until the breaking of the day. Jacob’s desire and determination was to plead with, and receive, the blessing, or favorable intervention of God. With Jacob’s thigh out of joint, helpless and hurting, scripture tells us that he told the “man that was wrestling with him: “I will not let thee go, except Thou BLESS me.” (32:26) Jacob knew that this “man” was the Lord, for later he will declare: “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (32:30) God had revealed Himself to Jacob several times throughout his life. Jacob had come to recognize that which was OF God. He had also come to realize something of the blessing of God conferred upon him by his father, at the moment that he stole Esau’s birthright. But what is most important here is to realize that, in the will of God, Jacob, is brought by desire and desperation, to the point of seeking the God who had revealed Himself to him through the years, certain that He would in His mercy and grace meet his need, and bless him. This he did, and God did so.
What is the blessing of God? There is no doubt that, in some measure, God’s blessing was material in the life of Jacob, for He had increased Jacob’s family, and possessions, preserving his life. Spiritually speaking, God was willing that Jacob seek Him, and find Him. The highest, and greatest blessing is God Himself. It is true that God blesses by giving “good things,” but that which is of greatest importance and value, is the gift of Himself, by the Spirit. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesian believers, he writes: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places IN CHRIST.” (1:3) This is why, to the Colossian believers he writes: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (1:30) Christ Himself IS the greatest blessing.
How can one receive such blessing? It is in coming to God, and receiving by faith that all becomes possible However, one’s coming must be with “…clean hands, and a pure heart.” (Ps. 24:4) Christ’s blood alone cleanses from all sin, and the Spirit of God alone can give us a pure heart.
Dear Father, Grant that the King of Glory come into our hearts today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.