The word “bless” or “blessing” is used over 600 times in our Bible… in the 50 chapters of Genesis, it’s used almost 100 times alone! It’s a big deal. However, for me, it had become a word that meant so many things it had somewhat lost its weight.
The word “blessing” brings to mind a variety of images for all of us. We say “Bless you!” after a sneeze or things are a blessing when life is good.
“Blessing” is a religious-sounding word that we use a lot. But what does blessing mean?
There are two words in the Bible for blessing and Jesus uses both in the sermon on the mount: one has to do with speaking favourably of someone or something. That seems to make sense to us all! But there is another meaning of blessing; blessed is something that you can recognise has happened to someone.
Even when the world around them or what they are feeling themselves is anything but ‘blessed’ they are living in a state of blessing in the kingdom. This is why Jesus can say:
““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:3-12
When we recognise God’s view of someone or a situation despite everything else showing something else, we are blessing them.
Reflection:
Are there any areas in your life where you don’t feel blessed and need reminding of what God has done? Are there areas you are desperate to see God’s kingdom burst through?
Spend some time in the beatitudes today, sitting with those who felt that same, and listen to which beatitude Jesus would speak over you.
Go Deeper:
If you’d like to go deeper on this, here is a short video that unpacks some of the deeper meanings behind the beatitudes.
