We will all be speaking to people today. We do it every day. We can use those words carelessly or intentionally. Sometimes careless criticism can cause lasting damage. Similarly, if we were more careful and less fake, truly encouraging and blessing someone with words of hope and destiny, perhaps we could make someone’s world a better place.
Abraham’s servant has found Rebekah and, after a short stay with her family, is now ready to take her back to marry Isaac, his master’s son. Her family are basically waving her goodbye. But they do more than that.
“So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies.” 61 Then Rebekah and her attendants got ready and mounted the camels and went back with the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left.” (Genesis 24 v 59-61)
They didn’t just wave goodbye.
They didn’t express concern or anxiety. “Be careful, Rebekah, this is a long journey ahead. Be safe. Stay on that camel. Be careful in this new land you are travelling to. Don’t trust strangers easily. If it doesn’t work out, you can always come back.”
No. They blessed Rebekah with words that she would carry in her heart forever.
The words from the family were not just well-wishing; they were blessing her into her destiny. Such is the power of words. They carry the same ability as seeds we sow in the ground. Our words can sow seeds of faith for increase and possession. These words of blessing look beyond the initial challenges to destinations and dreams fulfilled. We know the story; they didn’t when they blessed her. We know she became the mother of Jacob, whose twelve sons and their descendants would become the twelve tribes of Israel, and ‘thousands upon thousands’ were indeed her inheritance.
You may know someone today about to venture into something new. Your friend or family member hasn’t been down this road before. You have a choice. There’s nothing wrong with the words of wisdom and advice. However, perhaps words of blessing will do far more than the words of concern.
Missions Paul 