A Blessing for Those in Authority

“So Jacob blessed Pharaoh.” Genesis 47: 10

Let’s get this straight, OK? Pharaoh was a pagan, an idolater, a false god (or in his own mind a real god), and was not known as being the kindest person in the world. Why would Jacob bless such a man as this? First it was respect for his office. We are to respect the office and the person in it. Second it was a kind way of thanksgiving for the kindness shown to Jacob and his family. Kindness always deserves a return and a blessing is an appropriate return.

But we see in Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7 that when Melchizedek blessed Abram it was noted that the greater blessed the lesser. Jacob was greater than Pharaoh where it counted; with God. Jacob had something to offer that really mattered; he could pray to the God of creation for the life and well-being of another person, and he did. Instead of hate speech directed at corrupt leaders, what if we blessed them instead? Just a thought.

Dear Father, Help us to rightly honor and bless those in authority over us. Amen. 

The Friday Benediction

Until Monday, my friends, may the good God envelop you with His grace; may you prove the common confession of faith, “I believe in the holy Christian church and in the fellowship of the saints”, and may you be enriched with joy and hope as you exercise that confession this weekend.  Amen

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