We live in a world where people are desperate for affirmation.
Scroll through social media for just a few minutes, and you’ll see likes, comments, shares, and views—digital tokens of approval. At work, people often yearn for a supervisor who acknowledges their efforts. Our children thrive under the words of encouragement from their parents. Even as adults, we never really outgrow the desire to hear, “Atta boy!” or “Atta girl!”
Isaac’s words in Genesis 27 echo through history. They weren’t just nice things to say. Isaac gave Jacob covenantal blessings. These words shaped Jacob’s destiny and identity. The circumstances of how Jacob received the blessing are messy and complicated. The reality is that words spoken over us can define the trajectory of our lives.
27 So he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his garments, and blessed him, and said,
Genesis 27:27-29, New International Version
“See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed!
28 May God give you of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine.
29 Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be every one who curses you, and blessed be every one who blesses you!”
Isaac’s blessing contained three sections.
There was the blessing of provision (verse 28). Isaac prays for Jacob’s life to be marked by abundance. It’s not only about crops and land; it’s about the Lord’s continual provision.
There was the blessing of position (verse 29a). This points to authority and influence. The Lord’s covenant people would carry a role of leadership in His plan of redemption.
Lastly, there was also the blessing of protection (verse 29b). Isaac invokes the Lord’s shield around Jacob. Whoever opposed Jacob opposed the Lord Himself.
Even though Jacob’s path was crooked, the blessing pointed straight to the Lord’s faithfulness. This blessing carried through Jacob’s family line, eventually culminating in Jesus. He was the ultimate fulfillment of the Lord’s covenant promises from Isaac to Jacob.
Today, you and I probably aren’t getting a patriarch’s blessing in a tent. But in Jesus, we have something even greater. Ephesians 1:3 teaches us the Lord has blessed us “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” That means:
We have His provision for us. It may not always look like material wealth. We’re promised daily bread and sustaining grace. We will also receive everything needed for life and godliness.
We have His position for us. In Christ, we are called children of God, co-heirs with Christ, and ambassadors in this world. That’s greater than any worldly status.
We also have the Lord’s protection for us. Romans 8 reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
So instead of seeking affirmation, try giving it. Speak words of blessing to someone in your life. A simple, sincere word of encouragement may be the very thing that reminds them they are seen, valued, and loved by our Heavenly Father.
Isaac’s blessing reminds us of the power of words and the faithfulness of the Lord. Through Jesus, we live under the ultimate blessing: provision, position, and protection. Now, we’re called to pass that blessing along.
In a world chasing empty affirmations, we can rest secure in the Lord’s blessing. We don’t have to strive for likes, promotions, or applause to feel valuable. We already carry the blessing of our Father through His Son.
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