Day 25 Through The Bible

Day 25: When God Blesses, We Are Changed – Seeing God Face to Face

In our spiritual journey, we often encounter profound moments that seem to shape us. One such moment is found in the Old Testament, in the life of Jacob. His wrestling with the angel of God on the banks of the Jabbok River is a powerful story about transformation, blessing, and seeing God face to face. Here, we find a rich Biblical principle: When God blesses us, we are changed, and in that transformation, we can see God face to face. This is not just a moment in history but a promise for all believers—that we are given the privilege of eternal life through God's blessing.

The Blessing of Change: Jacob’s Encounter with God

In Genesis 32:26-30, we read the account of Jacob wrestling with God. The story begins as the day breaks, and the man, who we understand to be an angel of the Lord, says to Jacob, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." But Jacob responds, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." (Gen. 32:26).

Jacob is not content with a fleeting encounter; he wants God's blessing. He knows that something in him must change. Jacob’s determination to hold on until he receives a blessing symbolizes the more profound spiritual truth that only God can change us and give us the life we seek.

When God asks Jacob for his name, he replies, "Jacob." And in that moment of honesty and vulnerability, God renames him to Israel, meaning "he who struggles with God" or "a prince with God." This name change is a powerful symbol of the inner transformation when God blesses us. God tells Jacob, “For as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” (Gen. 32:28).

This is not just about a new name but a new identity. Jacob, the deceiver, becomes Israel, who has prevailed with God. This blessing, this encounter, changes Jacob’s entire life.

Seeing God Face to Face: The Ultimate Blessing

Jacob’s encounter with God doesn’t end there. After receiving the blessing, he declares, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (Gen. 32:30). This is an extraordinary statement because, in the Old Testament, it was believed that no one could see God’s face and live. Yet, after being touched and blessed by God, Jacob declares that he has not only seen God but is still alive to testify to it.

This transformation is key to understanding the Biblical principle for today: When God blesses us, we are changed, and in that change, we can see God face to face. Jacob’s physical encounter with God symbolizes our spiritual encounter when we come to God for salvation. Through God’s blessing, our hearts are purified, and we gain the privilege of seeing Him.

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms this principle in Matthew 5:8, where He says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matt. 5:8). This purity of heart comes only from God. It is not something we can earn but a blessing we receive when we surrender our hearts to Him. Only when God's grace purifies our hearts can we truly see Him for who He is—holy, loving, and merciful.

Practical Application: The Power of Purity and Blessing

So, how do we apply this principle to our lives? We need to recognize that only God can purify our hearts, and it is in that purity that we can see God. The story of Jacob vividly reminds us that our lives will be transformed when we experience God's blessing.

In practical terms, this means humbling ourselves before God, just as Jacob did. Are you striving to see God more clearly? It might be time to ask God for a fresh blessing. Pray for a purified heart that is not distracted by the world or tainted by sin but entirely focused on Him. Ask God to bless you, touch your heart, and reveal Himself to you more deeply. Seek God earnestly, like Jacob did, and hold on to Him until He blesses you.

Moreover, as we experience this transformation, we are also called to help others see God. Are you pointing people to God? Often, people must be shown that their hearts are not pure and that they cannot reach God alone. Their only hope is to beg God for a blessing. The only true answer is God—His grace, mercy, and blessing. When God’s blessing transforms us, we not only see God more clearly but also become vessels to help others see Him, too.

Conclusion: The Blessing of Transformation

Jacob’s story reminds us that God’s blessings are not just about material things but profound, personal transformation. When God blesses us, He changes us at the core of our being. This change enables us to see God—not just in the physical sense, but in the spiritual sense, as we gain eternal life through Him. When we see God clearly, we are forever changed and can share that life-changing experience with others.

So, today, let’s ask God for His blessing. Let’s ask Him to purify our hearts, change us, and help us see Him face to face. As we experience His grace, let’s remember that our calling is to help others find the same blessing and life-transforming encounter with God.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) Let this truth shape your day, your week, and your life.