How can Christians today be "a blessing on the earth" like Egypt and Assyria? The Promise in Isaiah 19:24-25 “In that day Israel will join a three-fold alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the earth. The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, ‘Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.’” God declares that even the most unlikely nations can become instruments of blessing when they submit to Him. Egypt and Assyria, once fierce enemies of Israel, are pictured as equal recipients of grace. The same God still calls His people to radiate that blessing across the globe. What Being “a Blessing on the Earth” Looks Like • Restored relationship with God that overflows to others (Genesis 12:2-3; Galatians 3:8) • Tangible goodness “in the midst of the earth,” right where people live and work (Jeremiah 29:7) • Visible unity that confounds former hostilities (Ephesians 2:13-16) • A testimony that draws outsiders to worship the Lord (Zechariah 8:23; 1 Peter 2:12) How Christians Today Can Mirror Egypt and Assyria’s Calling • Embrace your identity as God’s workmanship – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” (Ephesians 2:10) • Cross cultural and social barriers with the gospel – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19) – Reach people who might once have been considered enemies or outsiders. • Pursue reconciliation and peace – “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) – Model forgiveness and bridge old divides, just as Egypt and Assyria were reconciled to Israel in the prophecy. • Serve sacrificially in practical ways – “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) – Feed the hungry, care for the sick, welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:35-40). • Bless even those who oppose you – “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14) – Egypt and Assyria once oppressed Israel, yet God’s plan included their blessing. • Uphold truth and justice – “He has shown you, O man, what is good... to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) – Be a voice for the voiceless and stand against evil in society. • Intercede for the nations – “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:1) – Ask God to bring nations, leaders, and cultures into the same covenant blessing. Everyday Practices That Multiply Blessing • Speak words of life—encouragement, truth, and the gospel • Practice hospitality—open your home and heart to people unlike you • Volunteer—schools, hospitals, crisis-pregnancy centers, shelters • Give generously—support missionaries, relief work, and local ministries • Model integrity at work—fair deals, honest speech, servant leadership • Mentor younger believers—pass the vision of blessing to the next generation Encouragement for the Journey Isaiah’s picture of unlikely nations standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel proves that God delights in turning foes into family. As you yield to His Spirit, He will turn ordinary acts of obedience into extraordinary streams of blessing—right where you live, “in the midst of the earth,” until the whole world sees His glory (Habakkuk 2:14). |
    |