Numbers 5-6

"The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face to shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26


For a very long time, this benediction was recited by my pastor as he closed our service each Sunday morning. And as I revisited it this morning, this blessing brought back those calming moments for me . He always prayed these words over our church body while we had our heads bowed in prayer. It was always said with a warm, soft-spoken, smooth canter. It was the final blessing before the world flew back in our faces as we got set to walk out the door. (Thinking back, just seconds after this calm moment and final amen, the organ would usually break through the silence with some loud, frantic piece... almost a symbolic reminder of what awaited ahead.)

My pastor was simply continuing on God's call of Aaron and his sons to bless God's people. It was a moment when God's name was put (literally) on the sons of Israel, so that God would bless them. Even today for us when it is read it is the gentle reminder that we are His people too. His name (character) is stamped on our lives.

Sometimes we just need to bask in God's love and the special favor He has set upon His people. We can so easily forget that we are God's special possession, that it is He who blesses us and sustains us. It is our God who has revealed grace and applied it lovingly into our hearts. It is that grace that has transformed His countenance towards you and I that has brought to both sides peace.

They are not magical words, but hearing these words spoken into our lives routinely can allow us to grow in our walk with God. Those words penetrate and renew our minds. They can restore us to a proper perspective which allows us to be grateful people who trust in our Lord and rely upon Him for everything.

Here is a little challenge. Write down the words of this benediction (you choose the translation). Then place it somewhere where you will see it each morning for the next week or so. As you rise, read these words (aloud would be best) over yourself, your family, and your day. Then as you go through the day, reflect on it and allow it to sensitize your heart to God's presence and purposes.