Blessing our Children
A model for how to bless our children was shown to us when Isaac blessed Esau (Jacob in disguise). This tradition is continued by Orthodox Jews today and should not be overlooked by those of us who believe. Genesis chapter 27:26-37 outlines four steps to use when blessing our children.
1. The TouchIsaac shows us that every blessing should begin with a touch.Gen 27:26 - Then his father Isaac said to him, "Come near now and kiss me, my son." 27And he came near and kissed him… Even Jesus shows us that touch is necessary when blessing our children.Mar 10:13 they brought young children to him, that he should touch them.Mar 10:16 And he took them up in his arms, put [his] hands upon them, and blessed them.It is through touch that we receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit.Act 8:17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
2. Acknowledge your Children's Strengths - Gen 27:27(b) and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said:"Surely, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed.Isaac knew that Esau was a hunter, a man of the field, and he acknowledges this to his son. It is imperative that we know the strengths that the Lord has given our children. You may see a musical talent in your child or a willingness to help. Your child may be a natural peacemaker or a nature lover. These qualities must be acknowledged, for they are the qualities with which the Lord has already blessed your child.
3. Know God's Destination for your Child - Isaac knew God's destination for Jacob.Gen 27:28 - Therefore may God give you of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine.Gen 27:29 - Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, and let your mother's sons bow down to you.Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you!" How can we know God's destination for our children? We know through prayer, constant communion with the Lord, and the reading of the Word. As you pray for your child, as you lay your hands on your child, as you acknowledge your child's strengths and the gifts God has already given him, He will show you what your child is destined to become. Speak this destination and blessing to your child as Isaac did to Jacob.
4. Commit to the Blessing - When Isaac realized that he had been tricked by his youngest son Jacob, he did not take back the blessing.Gen 27:35 - But he said, "Your brother came with deceit and has taken away your blessing." 36And Esau said, "Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, and now look, he has taken away my blessing!" And he said, "Have you not reserved a blessing for me?" 37 Then Isaac answered and said to Esau, "Indeed I have made him your master, and all his brethren I have given to him as servants; with grain and wine I have sustained him…The Lord had given Isaac the "fat of the land" and he was committed to giving all he had to Jacob to ensure that his blessing was fulfilled.
Commit to the blessing you have given your child. If you see your child as a doctor, commit to his schooling and understanding of the human body. If you see your child as a musician, commit to those music lessons. If you see your child as a family man or woman, commit to being a role model of respect and surround him or her with those who value the family. And remember that the blessing, and our commitment to it, needs continued prayer and guidance from our heavenly Father who blessed his own Son with the Kingdom of Heaven.
