Acts 3:26. “Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” BLESS YOU. Not realizing their unique privilege of being called by God to be His earthly people, They ignored, turned away from, despised, would not receive, rejected - David’s greater Son. He went for their hearts – but they were hardened; He appeal to their history- but they said, “No.” “We will not have this Man to reign over us…” The One God sent to Bless them.
In His own community He was observed from day to day; subject to his parents, doing business. He was watched, listened to, scrutinized – He observed all the commandments of the Lord. He could honestly say, “I do always those things that pleased the Father…” a truly holy Man. But He who came to Bless them, was refused by His town, His friends – even His family.
His hands outstretched brought blessing to little children, the blind, the maimed, the lepers. His hands outstretched and the word of His power brought the powers of nature under control. His authority in the words He spoke and the actions He did, made it clear to all, “He came to Bless.” But ultimately His hands were outstretched upon the cross – nailed; bringing blessing.
Through the influences of those we knew loved us – and loved God; we knew He came to Bless us. Through the preaching of the Word of God and clear explanations of truth – He Blessed us. Through consistent living of those who knew Him – we watched and learned – He came to Bless us. Through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and the Word – we knew He came to Bless us.
The songs learned as little children, “Jesus loves me, this I know,” – and we were sure He Blessed us. Verses of scripture left their mark, “For God so loved the world…” and we knew He Blessed us. The awakened conscience, “Thou God see-est me…” and guilt made us know He came to Bless us. Enlightenment by the Spirit of the Word of truth – and it was clear, He came to Bless us.
I know in a personal way: through family life, church life, life-lessons taught by those who knew God; Through watching the one I admired, through impressions given by faithful parents and other saints; Through evidence in creation, in the Bible, in my own life; through common sense guided by God – He came to Bless me – with life, with light, with divine influences on every hand – He Blessed me!
“Father of grace, I am very thankful to Thee for the blessings Thy grace has given to me. Each divine impression and influence; each thought and word given and received that exalted Thee has been gratefully received. I praise Thee and thank Thee for such interest in such an unworthy person. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”