Wednesday's Big Idea: Blessing Redux

Well, it's been a pretty long time since I've gotten a WBI in, but it's back - at least today. It's not that there's been a dearth of big ideas (quite the contrary!) so much as I've been pretty poor at writing lately. So I'm back with another post about blessing.

The thing about blessing is that it's horizontal. That is, it is human speaking in a prophetic voice over a person, place or thing. I can bless other people or a place, I can even bless God, but in doing so, I am speaking directly to them. I am not asking God to do it or praying for them (all of which are very good things) but instead speaking directly to them. Sometimes we do this at a distance and take it on faith that it is received, but ideally we bless directly so that the receiver can hear it from our own lips.

Blessing seems to always have what my pastor calls the 3 "R's" of blessing: Relationship, Resource and Revelation. This is most clearly seen in Christ's blessing at his baptism: "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." The words simultaneously establish relationship and revelation which is followed by resource - the Holy Spirit descending as a dove.

I can't claim to be very good at blessing - especially the face to face kind. I've been practicing, but have fallen short where it counts the most in my family. So as the first step on my road to recovery I offer these blessings to my family:

Elizabeth, my wife, you are a shining jewel to me. A sapphire that is radiant and that radiance shines even more when you turn your face towards God (Psalm 34) You are an exquisite teacher of many children and a brilliant mother. May you be filled with strength and joy as you care for children, may you find rest and peace when you need it and be filled with supernatural patience (especially when dealing with 2 year olds!)

Avinoam, your father's delight, may you continue to be the creative creator. You are beloved and I am well pleased with you. May you find peace and patience when frustration comes and joy and contentment in your success.

Ephraim, Jacob, the younger brother unborn and unnamed, may you be called blessed in our family. You, too are beloved. In you will be strength and wisdom. We welcome your coming and your name.