Bless the Nations

God's blessing is not for us to keep, instead we must use it to bless the nations. Israel believed that the blessing and favor of God was for them because they were the chosen, special sons and daughters of God, His chosen people, His holy nation. God's purpose in blessing Abraham and setting him apart was that Israel shine and reflect His glory; that they be a light to the nations and a blessing to the world.

A city set on a hill is not hidden. A light is not turned on in the closet and the door kept shut. A city, a light, a lighthouse is placed on a hill, on a high spot to illuminate, to guide, to bless, to protect. In the same way, we are blessed by God so we can bless others, not so we can be rich, proud and pompous. He lifts us up to show His glory and to draw the nations to Him.

Isaiah was clear when he wrote:

GOD's bright glory has risen for you.
GOD rises on you,
his sunrise glory breaks over you.
Nations will come to your light,
Kings to your sunburst brightness.

Paul left no doubt about the reason for God's blessing:

He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

LORD, that may I stay truly humble, outrageously generous, always touchable and completely authentic for your glory and honor, forever.

LORD, that I may bless the nations.


Isaiah 61; 2 Corinthians 9:11 - The Message