Blessings
God bless us so that we might bless others. (Ephesians 4:28)
In our spiritual formation classes this month we’re focusing on ‘blessings’ as we study Genesis 25:29-34; 27:1-46 with the children.
What is a blessing and how do we apply this to our lives? The Collins English dictionary defines blessing as:
- something good that you are grateful for;
- a prayer asking God to look kindly upon the people who are present or the event that is taking place;
- if something is done with someone’s blessing, it is done with their approval and support.
According to the Key-Word Study Bible, “The Greek word for blessed is ‘makarioi’ which means to be fully satisfied. It refers to those receiving God’s favor, regardless of the circumstances” (emphasis mine).
A blessing is an affirmation or a way to let someone know that he or she is special. The cool thing is that God, our creator, blesses us. He promises to bless our lives if we obey him, he wants to bless us, he blesses us even when we don’t deserve it, and blesses us so we can be a blessing to others.
Dr. Charles Stanley, pastor and author says, “God has blessed every single one of us. One of the things He had in mind when He blessed us is that you and I would be a blessing to someone else. Well, let’s talk about what a blessing is. If I ask God to bless you, here’s what I’m asking, I’m asking God to intervene in your life in some fashion for your good. Maybe your happiness, your joy in your life, or to meet some particular need in your life. That is, I’m asking Him to intervene in your life for something on your behalf. Because the truth is, that’s what God wants us to do. He wants us to bless one another.”
“What is blessing, then? Scripture shows that blessing is anything God gives that makes us fully satisfied in him. Anything that draws us closer to Jesus. Anything that helps us relinquish the temporal and hold on more tightly to the eternal. And often it is the struggles and trials, the aching disappointments and the unfulfilled longings that best enable us to do that.”
Vaneetha Rendall Risner
The Benediction
Pastor Dan blesses us at the end of our worship services with God’s Word, Numbers 6:24-26:
The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord cause His face to shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His face to you,
And give you peace.
Here’s the next verse (Num. 6:27)
So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and then I will bless them.
The Quest Study Bible notes on verse 27 say, “The priests simply pronounced to the people the blessings associated with God’s name. The name Yahweh, translated LORD, was employed by the priests for this blessing. God’s name expressed his character and signified his willingness to act on behalf of his people.”
That was true then and, since our God is unchanging, it is still true today … and tomorrow.
Our Blessing Mural
For the next few weeks, you’ll notice a ‘blessing mural’ on the large bulletin board located in the stairwell leading to Fellowship Hall. The children will start the mural and we encourage you to add a blessing – something or someone you’re grateful for or a way that you can be a blessing to others.
Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for the many blessings we’ve received from you. Thank you for your love for us. Help us to share your love with others so we may be a blessing, too. Amen.
You may know this song by Elevation Worship, The Blessing.
Blessings to you,
Peggy