READING: Review and catch up
“The Lord bless you and keep you.”
Numbers 6:24
I’ve heard the words spoken more than I’ve heard them explained. Most of the time, they’ve been words spoken at the end of a worship service. I’ve heard pastors speak them personally, and I’ve heard entire congregations quote them together:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them. (Num. 6:24-27)
Here’s what I haven’t often thought about when I’ve previously just heard the words recited. First, it’s clearly the Lord who is central to this text—not the blessing His people receive. Yes, they receive blessings, but it’s the Lord who grants them. He is the one who provides care, offers grace, and gives peace; indeed, He uses the first person pronoun in v. 27 to emphasize that fact: “I will bless them.”
Second, the blessing echoes the blessing on Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. God blesses His people, and through them He also blesses the nations of the world that follow Him. God seeks good for His people so they spread His glory.
Third, the essence of this blessing is the sense of God’s smiling over His people. God turns His face toward us when He would have been justified in turning from us. He smiles on us, and He even allows us to carry His name – a magnificent gift. Our God is a gracious God who delights over us with affection.
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank God for the blessings He has given you.
- Rejoice that He rejoices over you.
PRAYER: “God, I praise You for the peace You alone give. Help me to carry Your name with honor.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 29-32