The Blessing of Freedom

I bless you to be Manasseh-like—

Like the name that means “forgotten troubles.”

No matter what voices of shame have hellishly plagued you,

No matter how persistent the inward, gnawing guilt,

“There is … no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).

In Christ, you’re fully, forever forgiven.

The Lord remembers your sin no more (Jer. 31:34).

He has removed your trespasses from you

As far as the east is from the west (Ps. 103:12).

Christ has paid for your sin in full.

So God, in His righteousness, will never require your payment for a debt that has already been cleared.

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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 fathers have been blessing their children to be “as Ephraim and Manasseh” and no one seems to know why. I think part of the reason is found in the name Manasseh, which means “forgotten troubles.” God wants you to live free from the pain of the past. And that’s the Gospel!