” . . . a conviction that blessing received must be poured out on others, that the light that runs through the pages of Scripture is for all the families of the earth, that God’s shine is most often clearly perceived in practical acts of mercy.”- Tina Boesch
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”- 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
Tina Boesch concludes Chapter 4 of Given as she observes that two primary functions of blessing existed in the Old Testament – priests and family. However, Tina points out, as Christians believing in Jesus, our high priest, we possess the priestly office.
In the Lutheran Study Bible’s commentary on 1 Peter 2:9, it cites these words of Martin Luther:
“Each and all are . . . equally spiritual priest before God. . . . Faith alone is the true priestly office. . . . Therefore all Christian men are priests, all women priestesses, be they young or old, master or servant, mistress or maid, learned or unlearned.”
In addition, as Leonhard Goppelt states the following in his commentary on 1 Peter. Giving blessing no longer belongs to priests as a special right. Instead, he asserts, we assume the God-given role of trustees in giving blessing to others.
Furthermore, Amy Carmichael served India as a missionary for fifty-five years without furlough. She reflected on the urgency of living in the light of the shine in Gold by Moonlight. Amy writes about God’s shine as referenced in the Aaronic blessing:
“There are certain glories that are brief, . . but there is a common sunlight that is the life of every day. We live far too little in this light of life. . . . ‘Lord, lift thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us.’ If we lived in the light of that countenance, continually filled by the God of Hope with all joy and peace in believing, the dreary question, ‘Who will show us any good?’ would be answered.”
Today’s question: How do you pour out blessing received from God on others? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A curse – the projection of evil”
