READING: Numbers 5-6
You’ve heard me say it before: sometimes the Word stops you in your tracks and drives you to your knees. Today is one of those days for me. I’ve read the blessing of Aaron in Numbers 6 many times before, but today it just seems more powerful:
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)
There is SO much in this blessing. God wants to bless us; in fact, He created us to be in relationship with Him, and He blessed Adam and Eve (Gen. 1:28). He protects us, ever watching over us. He turns His face to us (according to scholars, the functional 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.
God smiles on us with joy and makes us His own. Unbelievable.
In fact, read it again: God smiles on us with joy. Amazing. Life-transforming, actually.
Why, then, do I so often follow the enemy’s path? Perhaps it’s because I easily forget the majesty of these truths and take the gospel for granted. May God forgive me.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps today:
- Tell somebody today about how God saved you. Re-live the first time you realized that God smiles on you.
- Thank God throughout the day for His blessings.
- Make choices today that honor God’s name that you carry.
PRAYER: “God, I want to live today in such a way that You smile even more over me. Help me. Change me. Love me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 7
