The Forgotten Art of Blessing - July 3, 2021
(Numbers 6:23-27; Romans 12; Genesis 1:1-3 and 12:1-3; Luke 6:27-31)
The Master Artist’s Plan
“22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
24 “‘“The LORD bless you
and keep you;25 the LORD make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;26 the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” —Numbers 6:22-27
What should we notice about blessing in this passage? (This is God’s voice)
● Blessing… BLESS
● Security… KEEP
● Intimacy… SHINING FACE… GRACE
● Calm, worry-free… PEACE
● Intimacy with God…”I” The VOICE of God!
Why would God establish a rhythm of blessing?
● We need it…
● We forget to bless…
● We forget we are blessed…
● Lots of cursing…
The Forgotten Art
“27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” —Luke 6:27-28
How do you understand this in our conflicted world?
The Picture is Marred
“14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” —Romans 12:14-16
Why do we often respond out of our natural frustration and not supernatural grace?
Reclaiming God’s Good Gift
“1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” —Genesis 1:1-5
“1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation, >
and I will bless you;I will make your name great, >
and you will be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you, >
and whoever curses you I will curse;and all peoples on earth >
will be blessed through you.” —Genesis 12:1-3
Who can you begin to bless in words and actions?
Becoming an Artist
“22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
24 “‘“The LORD bless you
and keep you;25 the LORD make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;26 the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” —Numbers 6:22-27
How could your home, neighborhood, work place, church, and everywhere you go change if you consistently bless others in the name of Jesus?