God wanted to keep blessing his covenant people in the Promised Land. However, a blessed life doesn't come by accident. The secret to enjoying God's blessing is to take God's word seriously and obey it carefully and fully. God lists his abundant blessings for those who obey him in detail (1-13): God will set them high above all the nations; every area in their lives will be blessed; protection and victory over their enemies are promised; and all the work of their hands will be richly blessed so that they will be the head and not the tail, a good influence, and a blessing to the nations.

However, God's blessings are not limited to visible or material things. When God's people keep his commands and walk in obedience to the LORD, God will set them apart from all nations and make them a kingdom of priests and a holy nation for him. To grow in the holiness of God and to be used as a blessing in God's redemptive work is the best blessing from God. We all want blessings. But we have to remember that our purpose of life is not to receive and enjoy God's blessing, but to obey and please God. God's blessing is a by-product of our obedience to God's word. Our obedience to God's word should be our expression of love for God.


Application: Lord, you are the source of blessing. Help me to walk in obedience to your word. Please bless the work of my hands so that my life may honor you and be a good influence to others.
One Word: God's holy people