“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph…” Hebrews 11:20-21 (NIV)
The author of Hebrews 11 thoroughly explores the concept of faith, by definition (Introduction) and illustration through the actions of several commendable Hebrew ancestors. Thus far, we’ve reflected on Noah’s faith to do the unprecedented and Abram’s faith to go where/when directed as well as his faith to sacrifice willingly.
Unlike each of those rooms in the “Hall of Faith” museum, our next stop seems rather mundane, easy, and not particularly commendable. With Isaac and Jacob as the exemplars, we are challenged to have faith to speak blessings to others. As one Bible commentator well stated, “What’s so special about that?”
It’s a fair question. The episodes referenced in verses 20-21 seem inconsequential.
You will surely recall Jacob and his mom’s dubious scheme to trick Isaac into giving the blessing of the first born son to the younger twin. (Yes, Esau carelessly sold his birthright for a bowl of soup after a particularly taxing day, but still.) Jacob dons Esau’s clothes and animal skins to resemble the scent and feel of Esau to his blind father. When the real Esau shows up a bit later with his father’s requested meal, all he receives is a leftover blessing, which was arguably no blessing at all.
A generation later, Jacob is presented with his long-lost son Joseph’s two sons, to be blessed by their grandpa. Jacob intentionally reverses his blessing, being more generous with the younger one than with the older one.
Scholars debate why the Holy Spirit moved the author to cite these “heroes of faith”, given that their faith actions seem minimal. Perhaps that is precisely the point. It is easy to be awed by the faith of Noah, Abraham, and Moses (later in our tour). They did big, memorable things. Our perspective naturally contrasts those examples of faith with the spoken blessings of Isaac and Jacob. The fact that we read about all of them within the “Hall of Faith” suggests that God finds comparable value in faith-inspired spoken blessings. His perspective clearly differs from ours.
What does this “spoken blessing” faith look like in the context of a law practice? I am drawn to these two passages.
“Let your speech always be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt..”Colossians 4:6.
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as
is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give
grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29.
Is that the same as a spoken blessing? Not exactly, but the words a Christian attorney speaks should bless and not offend. Your speech should be more virtuous and graceful than the norm for lawyers. Your clients, opposing counsel, the court, law firm peers, and others with whom you interact should notice a clear difference in how you verbally conduct yourself. Don’t be surprised if you are asked why.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15.
If your answer includes a salvation testimony or gospel presentation, you will indeed speak blessing into the lives of those who need to know our savior Jesus Christ.
