When someone sneezes it is a common thing to say "Bless You." The origin of saying "bless you" when someone sneezes stems from an ancient desire to safeguard the sneezer's soul. That is really "out there" for me and I would imagine for you too. There are so many superstitions that have crept into our daily lives and caused us to do things without even thinking. The real blessing is mentioned in Number 6:24 where the Lord said to Moses "Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: May the Lord bless you and protect you."
As believers, we truly want God's blessing and the introduction of God into a situation brings us great hope and peace. As believers in the new covenant we realize a blessing of hope and protection from Jesus through the blood of Jesus. Our blessing has come through the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and the victory or death, hell and the grave. The resurrection power of Jesus is still working and present right now and the blessing of salvation is an unparalleled blessing from our loving Lord. This blessing includes care for the believer and hope for God's blessed protection in a moment by moment ccircumstance. In other words, knowing God is a blessed hope that cannot be matched by anyone or anything else. This blessed hope causes to cling to our Savior for life itself and that inner peace that comes with it is contagious to all who are around us. Look at what Jesus says in the verse below.
Luke 12:28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things.30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Conclusion. God's wants to bless His children and give us happiness!! So when God says Bless You take it for what it is. God wants to bless you and give you hope and peace and at Christmas time this comes to light, but it should be a daily realization. But take care of this blessing and let the value of it stimulate you to good works and giving others blessings as well. The story below illustrates the importance of caring for this blessing.
At age 16 Andor Foldes was already a skilled pianist, but he was experiencing a troubled year. In the midst of the young Hungarian's personal struggles, one of the most renowned pianists of the day came to Budapest. Emil von Sauer was famous not only for his abilities; he was also the last surviving pupil of the great Franz Liszt. Von Sauer requested that Foldes play for him. Foldes obliged with some of the most difficult works of Bach, Beethoven, and Schumann. When he finished, von Sauer walked over to him and kissed him on the forehead. "My son," he said, "when I was your age I became a student of Liszt. He kissed me on the forehead after my first lesson, saying, 'Take good care of this kiss--it comes from Beethoven, who gave it to me after hearing me play.' I have waited for years to pass on this sacred heritage, but now I feel you deserve it."
Bless you...It's more than a sneeze, more than a superstition. It is God blessing His children.
The Pilgrimage continues.....
David Warren
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