Sermon 9-2-18 - "Bless"

 1. Intro: we say this word a lot in our Christian world, but it’s also made its mark on the culture and world at large – “bless you, say blessing, bless your heart, bless my soul, have a blessed day< i’m blessed, it/he/she is a blessing, benediction-blessing” What do we really mean when we say this word, when we pray this word for others or ourselves? 2. “Bless” – Barak/eulogew: 1. Speak well/Goodness a. Scriptural Definition Sample i. God does this to man in an effectual, actualizing/creative, enabling way. 1. Most often associated with fruitfulness (body and material) a. Fertility/offspring b. Material abundance Fruitfulness/fertility (1:22, 28, 9:1, 17:16, 22:17, 26:24, 27:27, 35:11, 48:15-16, 49:25) Possession (territory, dominion, material abundance, etc) (2:28, 22:17, 24:35, 26:3, 26:12, 30:27, 30:30, 35:11, 35:12, 39:5, 49:25) Name (5:2, 32:28, 35:10, 48:15-16) Presence (26:3, 26:24, 32:30, 35:9) Holiness (2:3) Rest (2:3) Deliverance/Life/Salvation (32:30) 2. Most fully and simply “I will be with you. I will be your God, you will be my people.” – Throughout Scripture, Words of Covenant. 3. We are ultimately dependent on God’s blessing. He blesses us with existence, life, consciousness, thought, feeling, purpose, knowledge, health, sense of pleasure/pain, desire/will, resources for life (air, food, water, mysterious life forces inside of our physical bodies – electrical impulses, systems working together), atomic level and much deeper than the atomic level – that’s simply the most detailed observable level we have. In him we live and move and have our being … from him, through him, and to him are all things; To him be glory forever, Amen! ii. Man does this to God in a recognizing, acknowledging/ascribing, awe-struck way. (praise): Blessing is in God’s nature – one of his perfections – able, good iii. Man does this to man in a hope/wish/prayerful way (or perhaps an acknowledgement/praise). 3. “Blessed” – Ashrey: well-being / true happiness/joy in every area of life (body, mind, heart, vocation, relationships). Life. a. Scriptural Definition by Sample i. “Blessed” - Ashrey: well-being in every area of life (body, mind, heart, vocation, relationships). Life. That is heaven, but Jesus taught us to pray “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. We pray for this more and more in this life even as we should be growing in our anticipation of it in the age to come. ii. I have come that you might have life and have it to the full! (Life. Endurance. Resources. Significance.) iii. This is heaven, but jesus taught us to pray for heaven on earth – thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We pray for this more and more in this life even as we grow in our anticipation of it in the life to come. iv. He would be strong, joyful, prosperous, fruitful, lacking nothing, having endurance, close to God (Ps 1). He would be protected, part of an all-encompassing, everlasting kingdom (Ps 2). He is unburdened by sin and guilt, forgiven, living a transparent, honest life rather than hidden and hypocritical; He is protected, preserved, victorious over enemies, surrounded by celebration and love (Ps 32). They lack nothing having an abundance of goodness (Ps 34). The Lord is on his side working for his good (Ps 40). He is protected and delivered from trouble and sickness, known to other people (Ps 41). He is satisfied by the infinite goodness of God (Ps 65). They bring blessing with them, and become stronger and stronger (Ps 84). His children will be numerous, strong, and enduring, and he will have plenty for them all for he will be wealthy and rich; he will also be righteous (Ps 112). He will be respected (Ps 127). Things go well with you and with your labors (Ps 128). His children prosper, his farm is fruitful in horticulture and agriculture, his society is peaceful (144). They are taken care of in all situations (146). b. Requirements/conditions for ashrey/blessing: i. Psalm 24:3–6 (ESV) 3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah ii. Always listens to what is right, does what is right, feels what is right. He does not do evil nor does he allow himself to be influenced by those who do, he delights and meditates in God’s law (Ps 1). They take refuge and are loyal to God and his king (Ps 2). They do not live hypocritically and are honest in their relationship with God (32). He trusts God not people (40). He considers the poor (41). Nothing but God’s sovereign grace (65). They dwell in God’s house and sing his praise, their strength is in him and their heart is inclined toward him and heaven (84). They celebrate God and walk and live for him (89). They are disciplined and taught by God, resulting in righteousness (94). They observe justice and righteousness always (106). Their way is blameless, they keep God’s law and word, they seek God with their whole heart (Ps 119). They have many children (Ps 127). They fear the Lord and work diligently (Ps 128). They fight for the vengeance of God’s people against their enemies (137). Their God is Yahweh (144). They trust in Yahweh (146). 4. Conclusion: New Testament a. Unexpected Person: Holy Spirit: Holy Spirit is the blessing (well-being) and the blessing (enabling). The kingdom of God is life, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit. How do we have blessing now, the kingdom now/here – The Holy Spirit, an intimate friendship with Jesus in and through the Spirit. i. Gal 3: 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. b. Relationship with Jesus i. Behind this there stands, however, the great decision of Jer. 17:5, 7: “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm … Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” ii. Jesus has fulfilled/lived psalm 1 for you (how to be blessed, the conditions for blessing) – justification! iii. Jesus is producing psalm 1 in you (enable, promise, fruit of spirit) – sanctification! iv. Jacob/Israel clinging to God until he blessed him. Clung to Jesus who secured for us the blessing of God. c. Gospel is foundational: This becomes foundation of our lives, the good news of jesus. God incarnate living a life of perfect humanity, love, service, courage, healing, standing for truth in face of vicious opposing authorities, sorrows and joys, exhaustion and miracles, … death on the cross: God’s love, my forgiveness, shows me what I am and just as important what we all are, what everyone is, how to see everyone and everything – that God is in control, that he is working everything to our good even when, especially when it doesn’t look like it. d. Eph 1:3ff: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. i. If you are a Christian, it is because God has blessed you. He has spoken goodness into you, calling into existence what was not. (you who were not a people he has made the people of God) He has named you, he has called you Christian before you called that of yourself. New Creation. He has enabled you and called you and blessed you, “You will be my witnesses…” “I will be with you always…” e. Be a blessing. Through the gospel we are set free, we are enabled to live in blessing, recognizing God’s goodness, seeing our true blessedness just to know him, just to be considered by him, that his thoughts toward us are infinite in number, to see our reversal of existence from cursed to blessed, god’s willingness to curse himself – the father’s willingness to curse the son (which was a curse upon himself as he is also in ultimate anguish) and the son’s willingness to be cursed that we might be blessed … we are set free, free from all need to curse others, free from all need to prove ourselves, to get for ourselves, to think of ourselves, to worry, free to look out to take up the desire of Christ to love the world, to bless the world, an overspilling of God’s grace – the stream of the holy spirit flowing out of us. Free to be the salt of the earth and light to the world, smelling like jesus. Bring it back to Psalm 109: So what if they curse if you bless?!! Bess so that you might obtain a blessing 1 Peter 3:9 (ESV) Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. f. What do we mean when we say “bless”? How can we bless? We speak goodness - Prayer is blessing. We pray for God’s enablement, God’s power to work in someone’s life actualizing goodness, creating goodness, fruitfulness, abundance, well-being in their life – for God to grant them the power to produce goodness. We pray for ashrey, for their most profound well-being. We pray for God’s Spirit to be in their lives, saving them creating a new heart, and/or bearing fruit in their lives. When we pray in accord with the Father’s will, we have the power to actually bless people. When we pray in Jesus’ name (anything you ask for in my name…)… This is a significant motivation to pray God’s Word, to pray over the Scripture for people. g. Blessed the bread, broke it and distributed it. The bread is his body. We are his body. He blesses us and distributes us, multiplying us and our efforts through His own power at work in us. Blessed And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” - Genesis 1:28 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; - Psalm 1:1 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 5:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, - Ephesians 1:3 1. What is the difference between brk (eulogeo) and ashrey (Makarios)? 2. What are the most frequent blessings (brk) God pronounces in Genesis? What other forms do His blessings take? (See “brk” verses) 3. How are the phrases “God blessed them” and “Be fruitful and multiply…” related? 4. What is the difference between God doing brk and people doing brk? 5. Is “Be fruitful and multiply” in Gen 1:28 a command (in the moral sense)? (See Gen 1:22 for help) 6. What does a life of “ashrey” look like? (See “ashrey” verses) 7. Between “brk” and “ashrey”, which one has conditions/requirements? What are the requirements? 8. How is the Holy Spirit both brk and ashrey (both the means and the ends of blessing)? How is the Gospel both? What does this have to do with our relationship with Jesus? (Spirit, water, Word of creation) 9. What are we doing/saying when we ask God to bless someone? What power do we have to “bless” others? 10. How is Jesus’ blessing and distributing of the bread and cup related to us? 11. Reflect on Jacob wrestling with the man (who was also God) and holding onto him until he blessed him. 12. How does this relate to the health/wealth/prosperity gospel? (James 1:2-4, 12, 2 Cor 4:16-18, Phil 1:21, 2:17, 2 Tim 4:6, Rev 12:11) 13. What about the beatitudes? 14. How can God’s blessing help us to bless (rather than curse) others? (See Ps 109:28)? 15. Are you blessed? How so? Bless (brk) – God subject – Genesis Sample Genesis 1:22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 2:3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. Genesis 5:2 Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created. Genesis 9:1 And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. Genesis 17:16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” Genesis 22:17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, Genesis 24:1 Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. Genesis 24:35 The Lord has greatly blessed my master, and he has become great. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male servants and female servants, camels and donkeys. Genesis 25:11 After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac his son. And Isaac settled at Beer-lahai-roi. Genesis 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. Genesis 26:12 And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him, Genesis 26:24 And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.” Genesis 27:27 So he came near and kissed him. And Isaac smelled the smell of his garments and blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed! Genesis 30:27 But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your sight, I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you. Genesis 30:30 For you had little before I came, and it has increased abundantly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I turned. But now when shall I provide for my own household also?” Genesis 32:27 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Genesis 32:30 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. Genesis 39:5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. Bless (brk) – God object – Psalms Sample Psalm 104:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, Psalm 104:35 Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more! Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord! Psalm 115:18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord! Psalm 145:2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! Psalm 103 title Of David. 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. 17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, 18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. 19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! 21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! 22 Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! New Tesatament (brk) Sample Gal 3 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Jas 4 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Rev 5 “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Eph 1 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. Matthew 14:19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 26:26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Blessed (Ashrey) – Old Testament Sample Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Job 5:17 “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Psalm 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 32:1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 40:4 Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! Psalm 41:1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; Psalm 65:4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! Psalm 84:4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah Psalm 84:5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. Psalm 84:12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! Psalm 89:15 Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, Psalm 106:3 Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! Psalm 112:1 Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! Psalm 119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Psalm 119:2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, Psalm 127:5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalm 128:1 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! Psalm 144:15 Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord! Psalm 146:5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, Blessed (ashrey / Makarios) – New Testament Sample Matthew 5:3ff “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Matthew 11:6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Matthew 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 24:46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Luke 1:45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; Luke 11:27-28 As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” John 13:17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Romans 4:6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: Romans 4:7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Romans 4:8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Romans 4:9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. Romans 14:22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Titus 2:13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 5:11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” Revelation 16:15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) Revelation 19:9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. New Testament Scriptures (barak / eulogeo) Gal 3 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Jas 4 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Rev 5 “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Eph 1 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. Matthew 14:19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Matthew 21:9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 23:39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ” Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 26:26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Mark 6:41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. Mark 8:7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. Mark 11:9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Mark 11:10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Mark 14:22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Luke 1:42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Luke 1:64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. Luke 2:28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Luke 9:16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. Luke 13:35 Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ” Luke 19:38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 24:30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. Luke 24:51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. Luke 24:53 and were continually in the temple blessing God. John 12:13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” Acts 3:26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 1 Corinthians 4:12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 14:16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? Galatians 3:9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, Hebrews 6:14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, Hebrews 7:6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Hebrews 7:7 It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. Hebrews 11:20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. Hebrews 11:21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. James 3:9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. Old Testament (ashrey) Blessed (Ashrey) Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs.” 1 Kings 10:8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 2 Chronicles 9:7 Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Job 5:17 “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Psalm 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 32:1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 40:4 Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! Psalm 41:1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; Psalm 65:4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! Psalm 84:4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah Psalm 84:5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. Psalm 84:12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! Psalm 89:15 Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, Psalm 106:3 Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! Psalm 112:1 Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! Psalm 119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Psalm 119:2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, Psalm 127:5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalm 128:1 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! Psalm 128:2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. Psalm 137:8 O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed, blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us! Psalm 137:9 Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock! Psalm 144:15 Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord! Psalm 146:5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, Proverbs 3:13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, Proverbs 8:32 “And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. Proverbs 14:21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. Proverbs 16:20 Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 20:7 The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him! Proverbs 28:14 Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. Ecclesiastes 10:17 Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 32:20 Happy are you who sow beside all waters, who let the feet of the ox and the donkey range free. Isaiah 56:2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” Daniel 12:12 Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days. New Testament Scriptures (ashrey / makarios) Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Matthew 11:6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Matthew 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 24:46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Luke 1:45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; Luke 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Luke 6:21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Luke 6:22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Luke 7:23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Luke 10:23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! Luke 11:27 As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” Luke 11:28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. Luke 12:38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! Luke 12:43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Luke 14:14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:15 When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Luke 23:29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ John 13:17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 26:2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, Romans 4:6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: Romans 4:7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Romans 4:8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Romans 4:9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. Romans 14:22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 1 Corinthians 7:40 Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God. Galatians 4:15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 1 Timothy 1:11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. 1 Timothy 6:15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Titus 2:13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 5:11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” Revelation 16:15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) Revelation 19:9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Revelation 22:7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.