Blessing: A People of Blessing

In this lecture, Ian shares a profound narrative centered around personal experiences and biblical themes of blessing as he reflects on the impact of mentorship and community in the context of faith. Beginning with a poignant story from his recent visit to a mentor's funeral in Vancouver, he illustrates the significance of the relationships we cultivate in our lives. The overwhelming attendance at the funeral during the challenges of COVID exemplified the breadth of influence his mentor had on many lives, highlighting the thematic idea of blessings that transcend individual experience and echo in the lives of others.

The central thrust of the discussion revolves around the concept of being a people of blessing, as grounded in biblical teachings. Ian underscores that despite historical failures within the church, the essence of God’s character is to bless, a theme that is rooted in Genesis. With reference to Genesis chapters 1 through 11, he explores the recurring motifs of curse and exclusion, alienation from God, and the human inclination towards building their own names in contradiction to God's command to fill the earth.

Ian elaborates on three pivotal theme pairs: curse and exclusion versus blessing and inclusion, alienation and violence transformed into revelation and shalom, and hunkering and name-building replaced by the divine call to go and worship. He asserts that the promise of blessing, as articulated in Genesis 12:1-3, offers a dramatic shift in narrative; where hope appears to hang by a thread, God chooses Abram, a figure without remarkable merit, to exemplify the transformative power of divine blessing intended for all nations.

As the lecture progresses, Ian emphasizes God's character as the source of blessing, framing the narrative shift through the lens of grace rather than performance. He dispels the misconception that blessings must be earned, illustrating that God’s decisions flow from His inherent goodness rather than human action. This idea offers both humility and hope, inviting listeners to reflect on their own lives as vessels of God’s blessings.

Delving deeper into the implications of Abram's blessing, Ian connects God’s promises to a larger narrative of inclusion for all humanity. He highlights the migrating stories of the Israelites, demonstrating how their journey reflects God’s plan for blessing broader communities. The lecture integrates reflections on faithful living—in following God’s ways, believers become exemplifications of divine revelation to others.

In bringing this teaching into contemporary context, Ian invites audience members to consider their own roles in extending blessings to those around them. He provides practical examples of how one might show kindness, welcome, and hospitality to those on the margins or feeling alienated. By actively engaging in community and embodying the principles of peace and inclusion, individuals can participate in the transformative work initiated through Abram's narrative.

The concluding reflections encourage listeners to embrace their identity as bearers of blessings, inspired by the promise traced from Abram to Jesus and fulfilled through the community of believers. Ian calls for a life of self-forgetful worship, where individuals step beyond the comfort of self-serving pursuits to actively seek the flourishing of others. He concludes with a prayerful invitation, urging the community to remain attuned to God's call and to embrace the responsibility of sharing blessings in tangible ways.