1. Why blessing is so important?
The Hebrew word "to bless" means "to bown down", "to prostrate". When you say "bless", you are respecting that person and holding him in high esteem.
In General 27 we find Isaac giving a very special blessing to his son, Jacob. This established a pattern for imparting blessing on loved ones.
Gen.27:28-29. Therefore may God give you Of the dew of heaven, Of the fatness of the earth, And plenty of grain and wine. 29 Let peoples serve you, And nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, And let your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed [be] everyone who curses you, And blessed [be] those who bless you!"
This has become an important part of Jewish sabbath blessing. The man of the house pronounces the priestly blessing. Num 6:24-26 "The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; 26 The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." The Jews say that's where God looks at you three times. Then the father tells family what a wonderful wife and mother his wife is. The wife lights the Sabbath candle. Then one by one he will bless each of the children. Happens every Friday evening...
In NT, we find that Jesus came to bless us. He healed the sick and laid hands on children and blessed. The greatest blessing is the sacrifice on the cross.
Ephesians 1 says that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places.
All the storehouses of heaven are open for us.
God blesses us so that He can make us a blessing
2. Five key elements in blessing
A. Meaningful Touch. Touch is more meaningful than words. Isaac blessed by laying on of hands. Jesus laid hands on kids and blessed.
B. Spoken Words. Words can build us up or tear us down. We need to build and encourage people. There is enormous power in our words
C. Expressing High Value. When we bless we much express how highly we esteem the other. God calls us the apple of His eye. God designed our eyes to be protected. He protects us. He values us so highly. More than that the OT shows that God is betrothed to His chosen people. And in NT, Jesus is betrothed to us. He loves us more than we can take. A good way to express value is to use word pictures. Isaac used word pictures "smell of my son.... like the field God has blessed" Those words add value to the rest of the blessing. Song of Songs.. word pictures.
The Holy Spirit may give you prophetic words for your kids, spouse, brethren, parents.
D. Picturing a Special Future. Jeremiah foresaw a great future for Israel.
Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
E. An Active Commitment.
Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Recognize the gifts that your child has and encourage him in those gifts and when he is old he will flourish in those gifts
3. Several different kinds of people we can bless
A. Our Children. Birthdays, graduations, family special evening times. Include God's blessings
B. Our Spouse. Special occasions. Could be a night out without kids or weekend. Time to bless.
C. Friends and Workmates
We have to actively decide to have special times to bless people
D. Church people. May be plan a time to pray over people and plant God's blessings
E. Elderly parents.
Decide to have regular get togethers to bless people
Let's us the Lord to make us people that will bless
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