The Special Occasion Blessing

This week we’ve talked about the Gratitude Blessing and the Practical Blessing, both from the book of Ruth. Today, we’re going to think some about the Special Occasion Blessing.

When Boaz responds to Ruth’s wedding proposal, it’s a public event. The community is gathered and they pronounce their blessing on the couple. As you read this short passage, listen in for how the mechanism of blessing works here:

Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.” - Ruth 4:11-12

There’s clearly excitement and enthusiasm for the couple being expressed - otherwise the blessing would not have included such big names like Rachel and Leah, Perez, Tamar, and Judah. The people are saying, “Wow, we are so psyched on this union that we want nothing but the very best - like heroic best - for you!” And can you also hear how this blessing is forward looking? It is a calling down of God’s very best for the couple’s future. In some ways it’s calling into being a new reality for the couple.

What would it look like for you to incorporate a blessing like this for an upcoming special occasion? For example, maybe your kids are going to school soon. What if you had a special dinner the night before or on that first day and spoke into your child’s life about how you see them being a smart person, a good friend, and a helper in this crazy online year of schooling? Or maybe you have a friend or family member’s birthday coming up. Is there a chance to write them a card about your hopes for them for the coming year and to pray that into their lives? There could be dozens of other special occasions that would work for this sort of thing.

Be creative and ask God how you might step into this part of the life of faith in Christ.