Bright Spot: Seek out The Blessing from God

Patriot Day, or Sept. 11, 2001, yield many tales of heroism.

On the actual day in 2001, firefighters, EMTs, police officers and ordinary citizens rushed in when others were rushing out. A few days later armies of rescuers showed up to work in “the pit,” or Ground Zero. The long term physical toll this took on them from breathing the foul air there has been told in many stories of sacrifice.

Pastor Gordon MacDonald felt God’s tap on the shoulder to work with the rescuers removing tons of debris in hopes of finding survivors and clearing the site. He was teamed with a Roman Catholic priest who wore his collar. Pastor Mac wore work clothes thinking the priest was being impractical.

He was about to find a far more important work than clearing rubble would happen through his priestly partner. The Father simply roamed that sacred ground asking people if he could bless them. If they consented, and most did, he said a simple prayer while laying his hand on their shoulder or forehead. Scriptures were blended into the prayer as the Holy Spirit led him. Soon rescuers were lined up to receive “the blessing.”

And no wonder. Blessings have been given since the earliest biblical records.

Giving a blessing mostly involves our words. BEING a blessing requires actions too.

Blessings in the Bible have these five elements:

1. AFFECTION – It usually involves a tender touch (Genesis 27:21-22; Matthew 19:13-19).

2. APPRECIATION – Words for what that person has DONE (2 Corinthians 8:1-5; I Thessalonians 1:2-3).

3. AFFIRMATION – Words expressed for who they ARE, character qualities (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 1:3-8).

4. ANTICIPATION – You tell them the glorious future you imagine with them because of Jesus’ design of them and his desires for them (Genesis 27:27-29; Jeremiah 29:11-13).

5. ACTION – You pledge an active commitment to them to help make that glorious future a reality (Jeremiah 29:14; Romans 1:11-13).

Now all you need is the power to do these. Where do you suppose that’s going to come from?

Rick Sams is pastor emeritus of Alliance Friends Church.