Nougat 2

In a meeting recently I learned that cultures perceive hospitality differently. In some contexts, hospitality is only for the short-term guest, and friendliness has naught to do with the actions. The explanation came as a response to the observation of churlishness by some cultures towards visitors and migrants. How about you, are you more inclined to be gracious or churlish (unwelcoming)? As we respond, consider Today’s Holy Nougat

“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭22‬-‭27‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

Shiny Graciousness

Then there are hosts who engage us, giving us room to breathe, yet anticipating our needs in windows ways. I’ve experienced hosts like that, so hospitable that we kept in touch for years after, although I was no longer a guest. Note it’s possible that they were counting down the time of my departure, but I felt fully welcomed and never felt I’d overstayed my time. For me, that’s what graciousness feels like.

In the literal, it refers to favour bestowed. And that too is entailed in hosting someone. It is bestowing favour without making the recipients feel like charity cases. And though we ‘host’ God in our hearts, when we do, we are the beneficiaries. For God, our gracious guest, then becomes our Host. ‘Come unto me all who are weary and burdened’ says Jesus; ‘… and you will find rest for your souls … ’ for Jesus will assume our burdens when we partner with Him. (see Matthew 11:28-30).

I’ve always wondered whether there was an intentional play on the word ‘light’ in Jesus’ offer, although the two meanings are different words in Greek. But just think, in The Blessing, we experience God’s graciousness when the Light of God shine upon us. Whether we’re lost, genuinely needing help out of a situation or seeking illumination on something; God’s Light shines forth.

Additionally, The Light might rest upon us a sign to others that we’re precious to God. Remember Cain? He messed up BIG TIME, but negotiated for God’s visible favor to rest on him as he wandered the earth like a vagabond (see Genesis 4). If God did that for Cain the first murderer, I am confident that God does the same for us who believe.

Speaking The Blessing over someone’s life is thus inviting God to manifest as Light and Grace upon them. And we speak it, knowing already that God will honor the blessing.

Are there persons we wish to bless today? No better time than now.

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May all we seek be found in Christ