Nougat 10

We close our reflections on blessedness with a somewhat obscure blessing . It is directed at Jesus, but could be subject to other interpretation. Something to consider as we chew on Today’s Holly Nougat

“Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭9‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

The Blessing in Going

Throughout the Gospels there are multiple references to Jesus being the fulfillment of prophecy. How many of us have heard of the connection between Isaiah 9 and the birth of Jesus? And there are some others that we hear and make the connection. The Book of Psalms, which could easily be called the Hebrew Hymnal, also offers up some prophecies about Jesus. And one such is echoed in our Nougat today, originating from Psalm 118:25-6.

This Praise Hymn begins with gratitude for God’s intervention that realized victory for God’s people. And so, the psalmist seems to be speaking literally in the there and then, even if it was in anticipation of their then situation. As the victory hymnody continues, there is more detail about the ways victory is received – not only by conquering enemies, but raising the seemingly ordinary into positions of honor.

One can also hear snippets of encouragement for those facing rejection, that human attitudes toward us do not always offer the final word. For, the stone rejected by the builder can become the chief cornerstone. And it is this cornerstone reference that introduces the blessing. For right there in the victory song is the desperate cry for help, which is immediately followed by thanksgiving for the one God sends. Hearing the words echoed by the crowd in Mark underscores the prophetic nature of the words. Nevertheless, in the there and then off the Hebrew Hymnal, it was perhaps a current praise.

That’s a lot of background. I find it worthwhile as we are equipped with the root blessing. The blessing of ‘the one who comes’ (arrives or enters) is not just a blessing for any visitor, it is applicable to God’s messenger. Remember the reference to the messenger’s feet in Isaiah 52:7? Despite the dirt and other visible issues on the messenger’s feet, they were deemed lovely – because they assured God’s people of certain victory. It is a similar thing.

Just as Melchizedek was blessed by Abram with the tithe, so was this person to be blessed for coming in God’s name. A holy Peacemaker. Thus, we recognize the prophetic aspect of the Nougat in regard to Jesus, we can also hear an invitation to us in the background. In hostile situations, in times of foment and tension, can we be recognized as God’s messengers? Is our presence in those spaces undergirded by the preparation of the Gospel of Peace (see Ephesians 6).

The Matthean Beatitudes are very clear and straightforward: peacemakers are blessed because they are recognized as Children of God! The One Who brought that Gospel of Peace IS the Son of God. And it is Him Whom we emulate. When we go where we are sent, ushering in God’s Peace in response to God’s children’s cry for help we too are blessed. Not necessarily with a tithe (that was reserved and allotted to the priest), but e are affirmed as God’s own.

Where are we going? And what’s the message that we’re offering to hurting and desperate in those places?

God save us! Blessed is the one who willingly obeys and comes in God’s name. In these times, will it be us?

May all we seek be found in Christ