The Power of Blessing
We are coming to the end of our first day of Grand Camp. We enjoyed a variety of activities this morning and then have spent the afternoon swimming and playing miniature golf. So far I have navigated without a nap. That probably wont’ last the next three days but so far so good. Riley is being a good sport and is very supportive and cooperative.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’ “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:23-27
Today at Grand Camp we were challenged about the value of the “blessing” of parents and grandparents. “Blessing” is on of those spiritual words that has different meanings depending upon the context. We “bless” our food. We refer to others as beings “blessing.” The Lord told Abraham that he would, “be blessed and be a blessing.” Paul in writing to the Romans challenges them to: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14)
The contrast of this last verse gives some insight into the importance of blessing when it comes to families. It is one thing to refrain from “cursing” your enemies, it is another when parents are guilty of “cursing” their children in word or in attitude. Put downs, accusations, cutting remarks leave an impact. Our speaker today told how the words of a seminary prof, that put him down, undermined his confidence and sense of value as he moved forward in ministry.
On the other hand “blessing” recognizes God-given value and natural abilities and expresses confidence in the potential of our children and grandchildren. Words of encouragements that, “you can….I believe in you” can be powerful words. Remember God’s words at Jesus baptism? “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt. 3:16)The well known priestly blessing from Numbers 6 is followed by the Lord’s explanation of its importance. So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them. In bless our children and others, we are “putting the Lord’s name on them.” We are calling out the character of God and the best of what the Lord has for them.
In the spiritual sense a “blessing” is “the infusion of something with holiness, spiritual redemption, divine will, or one’s hope or approval.”
This powerful concept is of importance for parents, teachers and those who have the opportunity to speak into life of others. We may struggle with the idea of “blessing our enemies” but let’s make sure we don’t struggle with those over whom we have God-given authority and influence.