There was a discussion recently about being blessed. An angel visited Mary. Called her blessed. It was maybe like the beginning of an episode of “Mission: Impossible.” She got some instructions. But there was a huge story not told at the beginning that she had to live out.
She was blessed–to have a child before her wedding (probably had to hurry up and have an early wedding); to have a precocious child (remember the time he stayed behind to study at the Temple?); to have him never marry and provide grandkids; to watch him go out preaching to people who didn’t understand him; to watch him punished, suffer and die.
You call that blessed?
We often use the term blessed to mean that God gives us a cool present. Or maybe lots of money. Or good kids.
Seems like in the Bible when God blesses you, you’d better watch out. That blessing usually means that you are going to live out an adventure of some kind.
But the adventure turns out good in the end. Except you’re never sure.
Having the baby was cool. Many visitors saying nice things about the baby was cool. But 33 years later, Friday and Saturday were heart wrenching.
But Sunday came, and the meaning of the blessing was clear.
Blessing can mean that you have been chosen. You’re on the team. But it means that you must live out the adventure that God places before you.
What’s your blessing?
December 11, 2012 at 7:06 am |
This one was specially inspired.
December 11, 2012 at 7:31 am |
Oh I love this! In my church we often say “god calls us to accept the cost an joy of discipleship.” Blessings also hold woth them a great dealbof responsibility.