Introduction In a world that often feels tumultuous and uncertain, finding a source of true peace and enduring comfort can seem elusive. In church this morning, though, I was reminded of a blessing in Scripture that has been spoken over God's people …
By Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter on June 30, 2024
Introduction
In a world that often feels tumultuous and uncertain, finding a source of true peace and enduring comfort can seem elusive. In church this morning, though, I was reminded of a blessing in Scripture that has been spoken over God's people for thousands of years—the Aaronic Blessing (called that because God told Moses that this is the blessing Aaron is to speak over God's people) from Numbers 6:24-26:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
What got me pondering these verses is the song "The Blessing", which we sang as one of the praise songs at church. This blessing not only offers comfort but also provides a deep insight into the character of God and how He relates to us, His beloved children. I'd like to explore these verses and consider how we may carry this blessing with us throughout this week and beyond.
A Divine Embrace
"The Lord bless you and keep you." These opening words of the blessing are a promise of God's comprehensive care. To be kept by the Lord suggests a protective embrace, safeguarding us from the ills and dangers lurking in the shadows of our daily struggles. It's not merely a passive watchfulness; it's an active maintenance of our well-being, a declaration that you and I are worth protecting.
The Radiance of God's Favor
"The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you." I find such comfort and hope in the imagery of God's face shining upon me, upon you. Don't you? In ancient cultures, a king's favorable glance was a sign of approval and benevolence, often leading to prosperity and protection for the recipient. When we imagine the Creator of the universe turning His countenance towards us, it suggests a personal attention and care that is both humbling and uplifting.
The request for God's face to shine on us is a prayer for His grace. Grace, that unmerited favor, is central to our understanding of God's character. It's a reminder that despite our flaws and failures, God looks upon us with kindness and a desire to bless and enrich our lives.
The Gift of Divine Peace
"The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." In this final part of the blessing, the repeated mention of God's face emphasizes a relational God, actively engaged and present in our lives. It reassures us that we are never beyond His notice or care.
Peace—the deep, abiding peace that comes from God—is perhaps one of the most precious gifts He offers. It's not simply the absence of conflict but a profound sense of wholeness and well-being—shalom—that sustains us even in the midst of turmoil. This peace guards our hearts and minds, anchoring us securely in God's perfect will.
The more I turn to God and remind myself that He is turning toward me, the better I can deal with the daily stresses and ongoing challenges in my life. I know so many people who could benefit from this same peace, but sadly their mental and spiritual state is such that they are rejecting the gift they need more than anything else in their lives.
Reflecting God's Light
As recipients of such a blessing, we are called to reflect the light that God shines upon us. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we too are to reflect God's grace and peace to others. In doing so, we become beacons of hope and comfort in a world desperately in need of both. We become lights in the darkness of this world, just as Jesus was and is the Light that the darkness cannot overcome (John 1:5).
Conclusion: A Blessing for All Seasons
"The Lord bless you and keep you" is not just a benediction for the end of a church service or a prayer meeting; it's a daily reality for those who walk in relationship with God. Each phrase of this blessing carries deep implications for our lives, offering reassurance and a reminder of God's eternal commitment to our welfare.
As we continue on our journeys, may we always be aware of God's shining face turned towards us, His grace that covers our failures, and His peace that transcends understanding. Let this blessing be a cornerstone of our faith, a declaration we not only receive but also share generously with those around us.
In embracing and distributing this blessing, we participate in a divine exchange that enriches our community and world, strengthens our faith, and glorifies our Father in heaven. These verses would be a good token for each of us to carry with us throughout this week and beyond. Our minds can stroke the token's smooth surface whenever we need a reminder of God's blessings or a dose of His peace. We can also hand them out to others, too, with kind words or actions.
We need not worry about running out of these tokens. Our loving God has an endless supply.
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