January 28, 2026 Daily Devotional: “The Purpose of the Blessing” Genesis 12:2 "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." In Genesis 12, God asks Abram to leave everything familiar; his country, his people, and his father’s household, for a land he has never seen. It is a radical call to displacement. However, immediately following this difficult command is a staggering promise of blessing. When God spoke these words to Abram, He wasn't just offering a promotion or a comfortable life. He was initiating a covenant. In our modern world, we often view "blessing" as the end goal, a final destination of security, health, or success. We pray for God to bless our finances, our families, and our careers. While God deeply cares about those things, Genesis 12:2 reveals a shift in perspective; God’s blessing is not a reservoir to be hoarded, it is a river meant to flow through us. We often focus on the first half of the verse: God’s favor. We love the idea of God making our "name great" or expanding our "territory." But the heartbeat of this verse lies in the final four words: "...and you will be a blessing." Notice the progression in the verse; "I will make you into a great nation... I will make your name great." This clearly indicates the promise. "...and you will be a blessing." While this states the purpose. Abram was being called out of his comfort zone and into the unknown so that God could use him as a conduit for grace. The "great name" God promised wasn't for Abram’s ego; it was to establish a reputation for God’s faithfulness that would eventually reach every corner of the earth. There is a profound theological pattern here; God blesses us to make us a blessing to others. If we view God’s favor as a destination, we become like the Dead Sea, constantly receiving water but never letting it out, eventually becoming stagnant and lifeless. But if we view favor as a stewardship, we become like a river. In the Kingdom of God, resources, talent, and grace are meant to pass through us, not just to us. Abram was not chosen so he could feel superior or comfortable, he was chosen to be the vessel through which the entire world would eventually meet the Savior. It can be easy to get caught up in asking God for "more". More time, more resources, more peace. But today, try asking "Why?" If God grants you success in your workplace, it’s so you can advocate for others. If He gives you peace in a storm, it’s so you can comfort someone else in theiranxiety. Identify one "blessing" you have, it could be a skill, a bit of extra time, or a positive word. Think about the "assets" in your life today. This could be your financial stability, but it could also be your temperament, your specialized knowledge, or even a spare hour in your schedule. Shift your prayer through intentions and begin to ask, "Lord, bless me," try asking, "Lord, who can I bless with what You’ve already given me?" Your unique gifts and current "blessings" are the tools God has given you to serve the person standing right beside you.
