THE BLESSING OF THE LORD
Rev. (Dr.) Kenny Ayenibiowo
1st Reading: Genesis 3:1-15 2nd Reading: Isaiah 9:1-8 3rd Reading: Micah 5:1-5 4th Reading: Luke 2:1-20 5th Reading: John 1:1-14

One of the richest men that ever lived said in Proverbs 10:22 that "the blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it". Essentially, the blessing of God is always a good thing, as it is an expression of His thoughts towards us; and we know that His thoughts towards us are good, to bring us to an expected end. Along this road to God's blessings, there are roles and expectations; we know that God is the giver of all good things and the source of all our blessings. He has and will always play this role for He is God and never changes; however since the beginning of time man has faltered along the way in an effort to meet God's expectations. What are these expectations? In Psalm 128:1-3, we read that "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labour, blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table". These verses give us complete insight into (i) God's expectations from us (hard work, obedience and reverence); (ii) His intentions towards us (provision and prosperity), and (iii) the extension of His blessings (to our entire family). God also expects patience and diligence from his children, and the Bible is very clear about the consequences of impatience and haste in our quest for wealth (Psalm 21:5). God wants us to be wealthy in all spheres of life; in health, in wealth, and most importantly in faith. God also expects humility from those He blesses (Proverbs 22:4); and the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 6:18 sheds light on the role of giving and God's call for generosity on the part of His children. In the same vein, Paul warns us to take caution as God blesses us so that we do not fall into sin. He cautions against arrogance and reminds us not to forget the source of our wealth (1 Timothy 6:18). Another word of caution in the light of God's blessings highlights the dangerous temptation of greed and unfairness, especially regarding wages. James in his very clear manner says in James 5:4 "Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you...". Ultimately in the face of God's blessings, we must take care to be prudent and not wasteful. God encourages a willingness to share and spread the wealth of His blessings in our lives (Romans 15:26). At Christmas, God gave His best, we are expected to do the same. Let us share all He has given us with those around us.