Text: Genesis 16:10 KJV
Further Reading: Genesis 16:10-15
And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
Genesis 16:10
MESSAGE
The fact that God blesses a man is not proof of His approval over such persons. Many Christians will wonder why God blesses even the unbelievers. Jesus told us that our heavenly Father sends rain upon both the good and evil, likewise the sun shines upon all and sundry (Matthew 5:45). But does that means God approves of the unrighteousness of men? No!
Today many people are quick to point to the fact that someone is blessed materially as a yardstick to measure God’s approval over such life – not true.
Are you amazed that those who have enjoyed so many material blessings are people who rarely know God? They have no connection with the saviour yet they are materially rich and famous.
Before the modern Laodicean state of the church, God’s people have little worry about this, until we became rich and prosperous and leaned closely upon the arms of the flesh.
In our text of the day, God blessed Ishmael and said that he will be so blessed, but despite that, we saw that God’s approval was not upon his life. God would not bring him into His eternal promise.
What God wants to give us is beyond physical and transient material blessings but that which is eternal. We have many profound stories in the Bible to prove this fact. In Luke’s gospel chapter 16 verses 19 to 31, The Lord gave us a parable of the rich man who had all the material blessings but lack the true wealth I.e. eternal life.
Indeed a man could gain the whole
World and lose his soul – the rich man was eternally lost, his wealth could not get him to heaven. The entire world is not worth fighting for. It is a foolish idea to think that if I get money or wealth then I am in the will of God for my life.
What could be a bigger blessing than obtaining the promise of God? In Genesis 15:1, God told Abram, I will be your eternal possession. Anyone who has God has everything, including those other blessings. The more reason why wisdom demands that we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness so that All other benefits can be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).
Those who pursue the riches of this world at the expense of God do so at the peril of their soul. There forfeit the true blessings that could have been theirs (Jonah 1:8).
I plead with those who have not come into the blessing of salvation. Do so today and you will be accounted blessed in indeed.
REFLECTION
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Acts 10:34-35
Those who do the will of God are approved by Him. God’s approval of a man’s life is not biased but strictly according to His word.
PRAYER
Father, please help me to do your will and stay in your will to gain your approval over my life.
