A Blessing (Sabbatical Post)

 

I’ve not thought much about sharing a blessing with those I come into contact with or praying a blessing on a home upon entering, but I’ve recently read of how it was (and is) an important element for the Israelite nation.

 

We see examples of blessings in the Old Testament. One you’ll recognize immediately is found in Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV).

 

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.”

 

Wouldn’t that be a wonderful greeting? Or maybe those final words spoken as you depart? Yes, I believe this would give great comfort to those who hear it.

 

Another example of a given blessing in the Old Testament was by King Solomon at the dedication of the Temple. This one is a bit longer, but there are some wonderful words in this section of Scripture.

 

“Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.

 

“May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us.

 

“May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers.

 

“And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other.

 

“But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” (1 Kings 8:56-61 – NIV)

 

I love this section because we see how God does keep His promises and that God will never leave us, but it also tells us that we must do something as well. Verse 61 shows us that we must be committed to God, live by His decrees and obey His commands. After all He has done, this really is a little thing.

 

But these blessings don’t end with the Old Testament. Jesus mentions one in Luke 10. In this section, Jesus prepared the way for His arrival by a group who were sent out two-by-two. They were to go into the towns Jesus was preparing to go.

 

When they entered a house, Jesus told them to say, “Peace to this house.” (Luke 10:5 – NIV) Jesus offered further instruction on this phrase. “If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.” (Luke 10:6 – NIV)

 

I believe this one is totally doable. What a blessing our friends, family and acquaintances would receive by our speaking this blessing. Even if we don’t enter into a home, as we are walking (prayer walking), we can pray this upon the homes we pass.

 

How are you blessing those you come in contact with? Do you practice this on a regular basis? If so, I’d love to hear about it. If you are willing to share, my ears are open!

 

I never thought of it this way, but I end each blog post with a blessing. A blessing for you. To you from me. Today will not be any different. I offer this blessing to all who read it and accept it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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