[Series on: The Blessed]
Scriptures associate "blessed" with disciples, creation, the church, and God. But often, when associated with God, we see the phrase "blessed forever". The passage in Revelation uses eternal worship and reward to show us God's eternal blessedness.
- Eternal worship
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!"
This truth about God being blessed forever is echoed throughout Scripture (Psalms 89:52, 113:2, Romans 9:5, 2 Corinthians 11:31). This conveys the eternal worship due to God. It also speaks of God as the source of eternal reward/blessings.
- Eternal reward
- New body (Healing): comes from the leaves of the tree of life, which is watered by the river of life flowing from God's throne. (vv1-2).
- New name: is the name of God (v4).
- Rule: is the eternal rule with God and the Lamb (v5b).
God's eternal blessings are found in God Himself! Never apart from Himself. As C. S. Lewis rightly said, "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." The mistake of the first creation in Eden was seeking life apart from God which led to death, but the joy of God's new creation is finding life in God's eternal gift.
One eternal gift God gave us in Himself is His Son, Jesus Christ, so that anyone who receives Him will have eternal life...an unending relationship with the God who is blessed forever.
Reflect & Pray
What would it mean for you to desire more of God's eternal blessings?
Thank you, God, who is blessed forever more. Help us to desire more of Jesus, Your eternal gift to us, amen.
God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.