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God’s People, bāraḵ, and the Ways of the World

God’s People, bāraḵ, and the Ways of the World

Last updated on: January 20, 2024 at 8:35 pm by Martin Thomas Johnson

God’s People, bāraḵ, and the Ways of the World 2024-01-20T20:35:19-05:00 Martin Thomas Johnson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

There is another controversy in the conservative-lead house over the once-praised speaker. A handful of MAGA extremists are holding Congress and the country hostage, while they demand their selfish and personal desires for funding the government.

What is supposed to be a government by the people and for the people, not just a selfish personal or conservative agenda that has been corrupted by ungodly and un-American pursuits.

Powertrips
Greed
Pride

Statue of Liberty

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Two years ago I told an acquaintance at church that as long as the GOP continues to support the evil MAGA agenda, it is cursed. God doesn’t reward evil. As a Christian, it shocks me how the extreme right has become more focused with earthly greatness and temporary things, instead of doing what is right. The GOP is supposed to be championing conservative goals, instead of focusing on personal or political agendas.

We can be responsible without being hateful or selfish. God has blessed America greatly and we should be a blessing to others. We aren’t blessed for our benefits, but for the glory of God (Psalm 67:1-7.)

Blessed

No matter where you go in America, you hear the words we are a “blessed” nation. We even have national songs that proclaim how blessed we are as a country. The majority of us understand that America hasn’t come as far as it has without the blessings of God.

To the dismay of many, blessings come from God. Christianity teaches God blesses those who do what is right and just —those who seek God’s will over theirs and the world’s (Matthew 5 3-12: John 3:17, Romans 15:27, Ephesians 1:3.)

Blessings

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While we often focus on good things, God uses bad things to bless (Matthew 5:3-12.) I can attest that God uses hard things and trials to bless us.

Bāraḵ

The most common word for bless in the Old Testament is Bāraḵ and it is a tricky word. Depending on the context, it can also mean to curse. Judaism understands that both blessings and curses come from God*.*

Judaism places a lot of emphasis on the blessings of God and rewards. They believe God’s blessings are the result of doing His will and not living like the world that is cursed. After delivering Israel from bondage in Egypt, God promised His people certain blessings for their obedience.

Dominance over other nations (Deuteronomy 28: 1.)
Prosperous cities and agriculture (Deuteronomy 28:3.)
Children, food, and livestock (Deuteronomy 28:4.)
Protection against enemies) Deuteronomy 28:7.)
Bountiful harvest (Deuteronomy 28:8.)

However, Israel often wanted their blessings in their time instead of waiting on God’s divine deliverance. Like us, they often focused on earthly blessings which ended up being bad for them.

Heavenly rewards

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Jesus offered His followers a parable to demonstrate the importance of waiting for God’s blessings (Luke 5:11-32.) God promises to bless and reward the faithful who wait and listen to Him (Deuteronomy 7:9- 10, Matthew 25: 21-23.)

Satan tempts us with and focuses on earthly things, Jesus taught His followers to focus on heavenly rewards (Matthew 6:19- 21.)

Rewards

Judaism emphasizes the teachings of rewards and punishments found in the Torah. This is why God’s people should strive to obey God and be different from the world. Good is rewarded and bad is punished.

God defines “good,” not this world or God’s people because we are cursed with a sinful nature. God judges who He will bless or curse (Romans 9:18.) God saves us by His grace to do good works, not our selfish desires.

Temptation

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Earthly greatness
Fame
Wealth

Our fight is between the good and evil within each of us. Will we listen to God or will we listen to our sinful hearts (Matthew 6:20; 16:27?) As God’s people, we are to look to heaven for our rewards, not this temporary world. Satan disguises earthly rewards as blessings (Barak!)

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January 17, 2024

God’s People, Nāsâ, and the World

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January 24, 2024 God’s people, Shillumath and the ways of the World

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