Blessing

“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them. And while He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. After worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were continually in the temple complex blessing God.”

Luke 24:50-53

Blessing begets blessing. As Jesus departs from his disciples to ascend to the throne of David upon which he now sits (Acts 2:30-31), he pronounces a blessing upon them. The act of blessing is born of the Greek eulogeo. To us, a “eulogy” is a message uttered at a funeral, but to Jesus it was much more. His “eulogy” was a praiseworthy commendation of those he dearly loved. They had spent three intimate years with Jesus. Now he was leaving things in their hands. So how does he send them off? He lifts his hands and blesses them. It must have been a blessing like none other.

Blessing begets blessing. What Jesus did shortly before his ascension triggered something special. Their immediate response was worship, homage to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This brought them unspeakable joy. In turn, the blessing they received manifested itself in blessing back to God, as well as blessing towards others. The blessed with grace, the gospel, and the benevolent goodness of their hearts.

Blessing begets blessing. Let us remember this all of our days!