Prayer: Father, open my eyes to the curses which exist around me and my family. May I come to a greater understanding of curses. In the name of Yeshua, amen.
Reading: 1 Kings 16 key: vs. 34 “During his days, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn, he laid its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son Segub, he set up its gates—according to the word of Adonai, which He had spoken through Joshua son of Nun.” TLV
Attention: When it comes to the topic of blessing and curses, we tend to think of blessing as being something only God does and curses are associated with the demonic or evil. We may think that curses are only something spoken about in the Old Testament. According to the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (HIBD), there are “544 uses of various forms of the word ‘bless’ and 282 occurrences of various forms of the word ‘curse’ in the ESV (English Standard Version).”
The HIBD listing for “Blessing and Cursing (pg. 223-224) ends with this statement, “In the NT the act of ‘cursing’ sometimes means to wish misfortune on someone (Luke 6:28; Rom. 12:14; James 3: 9-10). The concept of the ‘curse’ is also applied to those who are outside God’s blessings which are by His grace (Matt. 25:41). They are therefore under divine condemnation, the ‘curse of the law’ because of sin (John 7:49; Gal. 3: 10, 13; 1 Cor. 16: 22). Especially serious is the situation of those who reject or actively oppose the work of God (Gal. 1: 8-9; 2 Pet. 2:14; Rev. 16:9, 11, 21).”
Please understand, our key scripture today is referencing Joshua 6: 26, “At that time Joshua made an oath saying: “Cursed before Adonai is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho! On his firstborn he will lay its foundation, and on his youngest son he will set up its gates.” The reference to Joshua 6: 26 substantiates the declaration of an oath or curse and the ongoing nature of a curse’s pronouncement by Joshua. Prayers and blessings also contain an ongoing nature which extends to the future. When Adonai declares a covenant, blessing, or curse, they all extend to future generations.
In writing about blessings and curses found in the bible, I asked a friend if they believed in curses. They replied, yes. I asked them if there were any Christian songs which spoke of a curse or curses? They responded, “no.” I asked them to sing the third stanza of Joy to the World. It goes, “Far as the curse is found.” Which curse is this carol referring to? Sin and the fall of man through Adam and Eve.
I encourage you to ponder the issues of blessing and cursing. I hear so many people pray for God’s blessing, and we all want His blessing. But do you understand that we can bless the Lord too? I am always reminded of David’s 103rd Psalm which beings, “Bless Adonai, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Or Jacob (James) 3: 9-10 “With it we bless our Adonai and Father, and with it we curse people, who are made in the image of God. From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be.”
The issue of blessing and cursing is serious. May we ever be cognizant and mindful of blessing others and not expressing curses upon ourselves or others. As much as we seek God’s blessing, may we be a blessing to Him and not grieve the Holy Spirit by word or action.
Action: I choose to always be a blessing to God and others.
Yield: I choose to yield to the Holy Spirit and choose blessing over cursing.
Engage: I choose to engage with the help of the Holy Spirit in blessing God and others.
Relationship: I choose to live in intimate relationship with God.
Prayer: Father, blessing and cursing is real, and cursing is an offense to You. May I bless with intention. May be aware of my language and cursing which I may bring on myself and others. I never want to be guilty of opposing the Holy Spirit or Your kingdom work. Amen.
Memory Verse: Jacob (James) 3: 9-10 “With it we bless our Adonai and Father, and with it we curse people, who are made in the image of God. From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be.” TLV
Music Video: Kari Jobe—The Blessing https://youtu.be/tNk_xCa7zaQ?si=VfP4u5kD4lUSSBnf
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!”