Some more thoughts about where blessings come from...
- The word “blessing” is not used very often in classical Greek writings. The concept is of Hebrew origin and permeates the Old Testament writings. Its origin is not from man's mind or insight but from God.
- The word the translators of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) chose to use for the Hebrew barak was eulogeitos. (Eulogeitos is an adjective meaning “well spoken of; praised“. Eulogew is a verb: “to speak well of; to praise; to call down God's gracious power“. Eulogia is the noun form, meaning “praise; fine speaking”) This Greek word actually provides the English word “eulogy” which litearally means “good word”. The meanings attached to this word, eulogeitos, are: to praise, to celebrate with praises, to cause to prosper, to make happy, to bestow blessings on, to be favored of God. So, among Greek speaking Jews, this was a common word for praise, thanksgiving, respect, etc.
- God has been thinking about us in favorable terms and He has had a mental attitude of love, grace, and mercy toward us, present since before the beginning of time. God makes an initial move toward us because of this mental attitude of love. He provides us His graciousness, His gift of salvation, His spiritual gifts, all of which are manifestations of His love toward us. He thought "good words" toward us. He has provided all blessings for us as an expression of His love.
I can tell you, that seeing God's love for me is already starting to make me feel very, very good...dare I say, happy?!
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