The Bible teaches that we can speak blessing. There is power in the words that we speak. Our words express our thoughts and have a lasting impact. It is “out of the abundance of our hearts, the mouth speaks” – Matthew 12 v34. That is why it is important for us to fill our hearts with the Word of God. Colossians 3 v15 exhorts us to “Let the word of Christ dwell in your hearts in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual songs…”
God gave Moses the words with which Aaron and his sons, as Priests, were to bless the Children of Israel. Peter teaches us that in Christ we are “…a royal priesthood” – 1 Peter 2 v9. Revelation 1 v6 says that Christ has made us “kings and priests to his God and Father”. Like Aaron and his sons, we too are appointed and anointed to speak words of blessing! When God blessed Abraham he said “I will bless you and make your name great and you will be a blessing” – Genesis 12 v2. In the same way, God wants his blessing to us, to be passed on to others.
Consider the words of this particular blessing:
- “The Lord bless you and keep you” – That is protection.
- “Make his face to shine upon you“ – That is favour.
- “Lift up the face of his countenance upon you and give you peace” – That is his presence and his peace.
In the New Testament, the verb ‘to bless’ comes from a Greek word which means ‘to speak well of and to show favour’. In Christ you are a child of God. He loves you and speaks well of you. He protects you and shows you his favour. He is with you and gives you his peace. Everything he is to you and has done for you is wrapped in that word “blessing”. But blessing is more than words. It is a lifestyle. It is the positive expression of the goodness and the nature of God flowing through our lives. Let the love and favour that our Father blesses us with flow through us individually and as a fellowship.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Eddie.