Expansive Blessing

In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.” - Isaiah 19:23-25

This passage reminds us that, regardless of Christians forgetting that God blesses those who are not Christians, God does indeed freely pour out favor on all kinds of people (even the dreaded Egyptians and hated Assyrians). But even in this passage, the emphasis is not just on God blessing people - it’s on God pouring out blessing on these three great empires for the purpose of them becoming blessings to others. They are called to be “a blessing on the earth.”

There are different ways to be a blessing to others. For example, scripture would articulate that beyond speaking kind words or being generous financially, creating employment, sustaining wise government, and providing education for the young could all be considered part of God’s blessing (the Hebrew word ‘shalom’ encompasses all of those in its original Hebrew meaning).

So take a moment today and just let your mind and soul enjoy the wonder of God’s blessing: that it falls on all kinds of people, that it includes all aspects of life, and that it finds its fulfillment in being passed on to others. Spend time today giving thanks to God for pouring out blessing so broadly and generously.