WORK: WHAT A BLESSING!

What is A Blessing?

God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” Genesis 1:28 (HCSB)

I am without a doubt a creationists! I believe that God spoke… and everything that exist came into being. I know all too well that this is politically incorrect. However, I must confess, it takes far greater faith to believe that something so well designed could ever come to exist by accident. I believe the biblical account of creation where God spoke into existence everything in a mere six days. The sixth day is the focus of our attention today.

The Bible records in Genesis 1:24 (HCSB) that on the sixth day of creation, “… God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that crawl, and the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds.” He made everything that roams the face of the earth, but He was not through. In Genesis 1:26 (HCSB), we read “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” His last act of creation in this account was man!

After God created Adam and Eve, He blessed them. I have often asked “What is a blessing?” Upon a closer examination, I would break it into two major categories: God’s blessing and man’s blessing. Let us consider the latter first.

We often hear a familiar response after someone sneezes. It is proper etiquette to say “Bless you.” Man will bless others with what could be considered no more than wishful thinking. If we pronounce a blessing on someone without the authority or ability to make it happen, it is at least wishful and at most hopeful thinking. So often we use a blessing as a mere greeting.

God is omnipotent. He has all authority and power to bless! If God could speak into existence out of nothing all that exists, then He has the power necessary to bless. God blesses Adam and Eve in four incredibly important ways: Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. God blessed the union of a man and woman and gave them the ability to reproduce. He furthermore commanded them to do it. The last of these blessing is one of domination. God said subdue the earth. His blessing could not be clearer. God also gave man abilities and responsibilities in the Garden of Eden as caretakers. He intended for their labors to be productive, i.e. fruitful. And just as with procreation, He give man the ability to work and be fruitful.

I have some questions that beg answers. If this one simple verse teaches fruitfulness (and there are many others), How fruitful are you? Have you allowed the world’s thinking to sour your outlook on work? Are you living just for the week-end? Retirement?

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord,

I believe You created me with many talents and abilities. Help me to use them to the fullest extent. Thank You for giving a purpose and meaning for life. Help me to find all You intended for me. In Jesus Name, Amen.