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Scripture Reading:
Romans 4:6-8(New International Version – NIV)
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6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”
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Thought for the day:
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Oasis Community Church was birthed in 2015 with the phrase ‘Blessed beyond measure’. The word ‘Blessed’ is incredibly complex and has a wealth of meaning. It’s really difficult to come up with a simple definition. At its heart it means ‘happy’ but that doesn’t really provide a satisfactory message in my opinion. It should not only describe the condition of the person but reflects the reason for that condition. It is never intended to be a superficial mental or emotional state.
On occasion, after writing these devotions, I walk away thinking “I’m happy with that”. However, I would not think that I’m blessed because I’ve written something.
I’m quite envious of people who are ‘blessed’ with a wonderful singing voice. I’m sure that some of those people are happy that they can sing, but I’m sure you can see that there’s far more to the word than just being happy.
Part of justification involves the very important aspect of forgiveness. Our verses today quote Psalm 32 and state ‘Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven’. Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m way more than just happy that my sins are forgiven!
I can’t imagine how I could ever go through life with the guilt, shame and resulting condemnation that would be my life without the forgiveness of God. The law of God shows me as I am. I’m a sinner and there’s nothing I can do to change that. God stepped in so to speak, His Holy Spirit revealed Jesus to me and convicted me of my sin. As I accepted the new life He offered, His grace covered my shame and guilt and all my transgressions were forgiven. In the depth of my soul, I have a debt of gratitude, I know a contentment and joy that is the expression of being ‘blessed’.
Add to that the knowledge that every time I fail in my service of this awesome God, He will never hold it against me, then, and only then can we truly come close to knowing what it is to be blessed. Love, righteousness, glory, grace, peace, joy, forgiveness are all evidences of this simple word – blessed.
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Prayer and Application:
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I’m sure that I don’t have to give too many pointers about what to pray about today. I trust our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for all He’s done. Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven.
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