Why does God bless us? It is in his nature to bless. God wants to bless. True. He also blesses us to make us a blessing to others. This was the promise to Joseph’s great grandfather Abraham. God said, “I will bless you and I will make you a blessing to all the peoples on earth” (Genesis 12:1-3). This was the beginning of God doing something new after the sin of humankind had wreaked havoc. So when did Abraham’s family bless all the people on earth?
Joseph, Abraham’s great grandson is exhibit B. When Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream correctly, he enacted a plan to provide food from the years of plenty to help Egypt endure the years of famine. Through Abraham’s family, God blessed Egypt. But it gets better. Famine decimated all the people around Egypt. Through God’s provision and Joseph’s wisdom, people from all around came to get food.
Better still, exhibit A, Jesus, Abraham’s descendant would give his life as atoning sacrifice for all who would believe in him. God’s perfect provision extends to the whole earth. God’s promises never fail. As Elmo Meroney’s great grandchildren sang to God so beautifully, “Even when we don’t see it, You’re working. You never stop. You never stop working. Waymaker, Miracle-Worker, Promise-Keeper, Light in the darkness, my God, that is who you are.”
