"Bless her heart." "You have my blessing." "He blessed me out." "It was a blessing in disguise." Have you ever noticed how the language of "blessing" floats rather freeform through our Bible belt world? In some ways, it's one of those terms that's so overgrown with use that we've lost a sense of the awe and beauty that authentic blessing can convey.
As Jacob lies on his deathbed, he turns to the unfinished business of naming heirs not just to his assets but more importantly to his spiritual legacy. And so he calls in Joseph's sons to bless them. What does that blessing entail?
First, Jacob's blessing elevates Ephraim and Manasseh in status, from grandson to son, which means they stand to gain an inheritance that would normally have been deferred for a generation. On one level, then, to bless someone is to raise their stature, to affirm an even more intimate relationship than existed before.
Second, Jacob imparts his own spiritual legacy to these boys. His God would be their shepherd; his God would be the angel, the messenger, who'd meet them in harm's way and draw them through it. As we claim when we baptize infants, this blessing boldly incorporates the two boys into the faith that has staying power from one generation to another.
Finally, in a pattern that's become familiar, Jacob's blessing introduces a leveling effect, as the younger son receives the "right hand" portion. It's not that the older loses out; it's just that Jacob's blessing confers greatness even on the lesser, assigning divine value even to those society would overlook. Blessing, indeed.
- What aspects of blessing are most striking to you in this story?
- On whom might you confer a blessing today? What kind of blessing will it be?
- What other details did you notice in today's reading?
Prayer: Thank you, O God, for stories that wake us up. Thank you for the power of blessing. May today be a day of authentic blessing. Amen.
Breath Prayer: That I may // bless them.
