Why the Undeserved Blessings?

Verse of the day: Joshua 24:13 I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.

It is somewhat difficult to not be critical of Israel when we see how often, and how greatly, God blessed them; yet, time after time, they continually rebelled against Him. However, before we get too critical of Israel, let us stop and examine our own lives. How often, has each of us who are born again children of God, rebelled against God? How often have we committed idolatry and worshipped other people and things above worshipping God? Before you say that you never have, I will say this: “Any person or thing that took priority over spending time with God, being obedient to what God tells us to do, or whatever preoccupies our time and thoughts over meditating on the things of God, is our god. How often have we coveted that which God chose not to give us? How often have we done something sinful, knowing it was sin? How often have we refused to do something, knowing it was sin to not do it? I believe we get the point now. We too have been blessed often and greatly, even if we did not realize it or appreciate it. Like Israel, we too have received blessings undeserved. As I read this particular verse in its context, it reminded me of 1 Corinthians 4:7, “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” Leaders at Corinth had become prideful because of the blessing God bestowed upon them in their spiritual abilities. Rather than faithfully using them to be a blessing to the church, these blessings became the tools of division within the local church. The Apostle Paul had to remind them that all they had did not originate with them, but was given to them by God. Every blessing that Israel received was not because of their own ability to gain them. They were a small people whom God delivered from a mighty people so that they would inherit blessings that they did not labor for. So it is with each of us who are born again Christians. Our eternal life, talents and abilities, spiritual blessings, as well as material blessings, were not gained by us because we are great people. All the blessings we have gained in this life are blessings undeserved that came for a God who is far better to us than we deserve. Sadly, too many of us become prideful and boastful, as if anything we have was not given to us. Some of us would argue that we went out and worked for what we have, but forget where we got the talents, abilities, and imagination to be successful at whatever it is we do. Too many of us forget that our ability to be healthy each day, take our first conscious breath of the day, and get out of bed to go work for what we have, all came from God. It still amazes me that many of us Christians, who have eternal life that we did not die for, or do anything to gain, refuse to open our mouths to tell others about Jesus. We often become so prideful because of all we have, that we do not realize that in the blink of an eye, it could all disappear. What was the point of Joshua recounting Israel’s blessings before them? Verse 14 tells gives us that answer, “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD!” This too is the bottom line for each of us that have received blessings underserved. The talents and abilities that He blesses us with should not just be wasted trying to gain the riches of this world, but used, first of all, to further the kingdom of God here on earth. Fear and serve the Lord in sincerity and truth.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).