What other biblical figures experienced God's blessings through faithful service? Context: Obed-edom’s Reward (1 Chronicles 26:5) “Peullethai the eighth—for God blessed Obed-edom.” Keeping the ark in his home, Obed-edom honored the Lord and saw immediate favor. Scripture repeats this pattern far beyond his doorway. Shared Storyline: Faithful Service, Overflowing Blessing When men and women trust God enough to obey Him, He delights to pour out tangible, visible blessing. Below are kindred examples, showing the same God at work in every generation. Old Testament Portraits of Blessing • Abraham — Genesis 12:2-3; 22:17-18 “I will make you into a great nation… and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” His obedience at every crossroads opened covenant promises that still ripple today. • Noah — Genesis 6:22; 9:1 “Noah did everything that God commanded him… Then God blessed Noah and his sons and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply.’” Faith built the ark; blessing populated the earth. • Joseph — Genesis 39:2-3, 23 “The LORD was with Joseph… the LORD gave him success in everything he did.” Service in obscurity became a highway to promotion and national deliverance. • Moses — Exodus 33:17 “The LORD replied… ‘I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight.’” A lifetime of obedience paved the way for intimate friendship with God and miracles for Israel. • Ruth — Ruth 2:12; 4:13-14 “May the LORD repay your work, and may you be richly rewarded…” Her loyal service to Naomi led to a kinsman-redeemer, a son, and a place in Messiah’s lineage. • Hannah — 1 Samuel 1:27-28; 2:21 “For this boy I prayed, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him.” Dedicating Samuel unlocked additional children and national impact through her firstborn. • David — 2 Samuel 5:10 “David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.” A shepherd’s hidden faithfulness blossomed into a throne and an everlasting covenant. • Hezekiah — 2 Kings 18:5-7 “He held fast to the LORD… and the LORD was with him; wherever he went he prospered.” Reform and reliance produced military deliverance and national revival. • Daniel — Daniel 6:10; 6:28 He “knelt down… and prayed.” Despite lions and empires, “Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius.” Consistent devotion brought protection and influence. New Testament Portraits of Blessing • Mary — Luke 1:45, 48 “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His word to her… all generations will call me blessed.” Simple faith welcomed the Savior into the world. • Zechariah & Elizabeth — Luke 1:6, 13 “They were both righteous before God… ‘Your prayer has been heard.’” Years of obedient service in obscurity culminated in the birth of John the Baptist. • Cornelius — Acts 10:2-4 “Your prayers and almsgiving have ascended as a memorial before God.” Reverent generosity opened the door for salvation to the Gentiles. • Early Apostles — Acts 5:40-42 “Every day… they did not stop teaching and proclaiming Jesus.” Though persecuted, they left rejoicing, and “the word of God continued to spread.” • Paul — 2 Timothy 4:17-18 “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me… He will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.” Tireless missionary service met sustaining grace and eternal reward. Living the Principle Today The record is unmistakable: obedient hearts invite divine favor. Whether caring for the ark, building an ark, or preaching the gospel, the same Lord “rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Trust Him, serve Him, and expect Him to write the next chapter of blessing in your story. |
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