Seeing Double

I bless you to be “doubly fruitful.”

For 3700 years Jewish dads

Have blessed their kids with the words:

“God make you as Ephraim and Manasseh”

Partly because Ephraim it means “twice fruitful.”

Flourish. Grow. Bear much fruit.

I bless you to find energy for your work

Through your sense of destiny.

God has woven unique gifts

And aspirations into the fabric of your life

 That position you for a role that no one else can fill.

You are God’s “workmanship,

 Created in Christ Jesus for good works,

Which God prepared beforehand.” (Eph. 2:10)

* * *   

Part of today’s blessing is excerpted from the parting blessing in my new book, The Power to Bless, releasing February 2 (Baker Books). Pre-order it today and you’ll get a free audiobook!

For 3700 years, Jewish dads have been blessing their kids with the words, “God make you as Ephraim and Manasseh” and no one seems to know why. I’m convinced that part of the reason is the meaning of “Ephraim” (“twice fruitful”). God has destined you to be fruitful in this world and, by the Spirit, you’ll be twice as fruitful as you ever could be in your own power.  And that’s the Gospel!