We often hear these words in a benediction or sung at the end of a service. This scripture was originally given to Aaron and his sons, who were in the line of High Priests to share God’s blessing with the people of Israel. This blessing included God’s divine protection, presence, mercy, peace, and favor to rest upon His people. As followers of Christ and people of the New Covenant, not only can we receive that same blessing, but we can also pass along that blessing to others. Throughout each of our days, we can either bless or curse those in our family, those along our path or in our ZOOM call with a kind word, a curt answer, a frown, a thoughtful text, or a listening ear.
Recently I was driving through my neighborhood and saw the trash collectors. I slowed down, waved, and said, “Thank you.” If they didn’t do their jobs, we would be in a mess. As I drove a little further, I heard a prompting in my spirit to bless them. I literally never have cash, but that morning I had a few $20 bills. So I turned around, found them, parked the car, and gave them cash. I got a big smile and a grateful “Thank you” in return. #blessing
A few hours later, I was working on getting a large limb cleared from my yard. I was literally fussing with the guy who was helping me. (No, it wasn’t my husband.) The limb was removed, and I went on with my day. However, I couldn’t shake the fact that I was not kind to him during our conversation. How can I be a blessing to someone one minute and “cursing” someone else the next? I texted him an apology later that day and got the sweetest response in return. Even a curse can turn into blessing when you ask for forgiveness.
As you go through this day, may this song get stuck in your head as a reminder to bless those on your path today: the Lutkin benediction: