Learning to receive blessing

Devotional

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:3

In Genesis 27, Isaac is old, his eyesight failing, and he calls for Esau, his firstborn, saying, “Prepare me a meal, that I may bless you before I die.” But Rebekah overhears and tells Jacob to act quickly. She prepares the meal and dresses Jacob in Esau’s clothes, covering his hands and neck with goatskin to imitate his brother’s hair.

Jacob enters and says, “I am Esau, your firstborn.” Isaac hesitates but finally eats and blesses him, declaring:

“May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness, an abundance of grain and new wine. May nations serve you and may your mother’s sons bow down to you.”

Moments later, Esau returns with his own meal. The deception is discovered and Isaac trembles violently. Esau cries out, “Bless me, me too, my father!” But Isaac answers, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” When Esau pleads again, Isaac replies, “I have made him lord over you, what is left for you, my son?” Isaac weeps with his son and says, “I have blessed him and indeed he will be blessed.” If a man can not reverse his spoken blessings over his son, nothing can shake off God’s blessings over us.

Our text reminds us that we are blessed in Christ Jesus. Unlike the tent of Isaac, where blessing was limited, something far greater has happened in our own tent, Christ -our meeting place with God. The writer of Hebrews says we have not come to a frail patriarch who can bless only once, but to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 12:22–24). In him, every spiritual blessing was spoken over us before we drew breath.

You are not standing in line, hoping the Father has one more portion left; you are seated in heavenly places in Christ, a co-heir with the firstborn (Romans 8:17). Isaac’s words empowered sons to prosper in grain, wine and dominion. God’s word over you empowers you to prosper in life and godliness:

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3. The difference? The supply is inexhaustible and the blessing irreversible. It cannot be stolen by a smooth-talking sibling, forfeited by a moment of hunger, or lost in a field of red stew. It can only be unclaimed through unbelief.

Receiving blessing is not striving for what God has yet to give, but awakening to what grace has already provided. To walk in that blessing, you must learn to renew your mind until you agree with the scripture’s verdict about who you are. Let faith find its voice through words and actions that align with that truth. And above all, remain in Christ, for abiding keeps the channel open for grace to flow freely.

Jacob left Isaac’s tent carrying the scent of field and vineyard on his garments; we leave the throne-room of grace clothed in Christ and carrying the aroma of his spirit (2 Corinthians 2:15).

Today, let every anxious thought be met with the Father’s spoken word: “You are already blessed with every blessing in Christ.” Step into your assignment with the fragrance of promise and the confidence of an heir.

Father, thank you that the final “blessed” has been pronounced over me in Christ. Forgive me for living like Esau, begging for scraps when you’ve already laid the feast before me. Open my eyes to see the riches of your grace and teach me to walk in the authority of a co-heir. Empower me to prosper, not for my comfort but for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.