As I was reading through the creation story I realised that the only two things in creation that were ‘blessed’ by God were humankind and the sea creatures. I don’t believe the fact we don’t see that written over land creatures or the other parts is significant in a bad way but hey, what do I know?

The question I ask is what was the blessing for? Surely if God created everything is it not all blessed?

I’m not sure can fully answer that question but I think the blessing is more to do with the instruction that comes directly after God blesses them. Look at the two instances.

God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” Genesis 1:22

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. ” Genesis 1:28

Notice in both instances the blessing is followed by an instruction of increase – be fruitful, increase, fill. What I like about this is that it suggests that it is Gods blessing that brings increase, not our hard work. Of course its not that we can just sit back, it is a partnership, but effort alone won’t get us there.

I also like that in these verses His blessing works forwards not backwards. Its not a reactive blessing after the fact, its a proactive blessing before the fact. I love that the Lord does this and that we know when we partner in what He has called us into we are blessed and can walk forward in that knowledge.

Thank you Lord for your blessing, fill us again and may we be fruitful and increase!