READING: Numbers 6, Mark 6:30-56
I’ve heard this blessing at the end of church services, but I didn’t always understand it:
The Lord spoke to Moses: “Tell Aaron and his sons how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: ‘May Yahweh bless you and protect you; may Yahweh make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may Yahweh look with favor on you and give you peace.’ In this way they will pronounce My name over the Israelites, and I will bless them.” (Num. 6:22-27)
It’s amazing to me that God wants to bless us. He protects us, ever watching over us. He turns His face to us (according to scholars, the equivalent of smiling on us with joy) and gives us peace with Him. He even allows us to carry His name, and others recognize we are His. We’re sinners, yet He makes us His trophies of grace.
Pause for a moment and consider that face-turning image again: God smiles on us with joy. Let it sink in. Meditate on it throughout the day. Rejoice. Let it bring a smile to your face, too.
PRAYER: “God, I’m so grateful that You smile on me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 7-8, Mark 7:1-30
