Tag: Numbers 6:22-27
Our Father’s Smiling Face
Scripture Reading for February 12th: Numbers 5-8
Everyone loves a blessing! Blessing assures us of something good coming our way that costs us nothing and that sometimes is the opposite of what we really deserve. God’s grace is a blessing to us who really deserve His wrath and punishment. As a pastor, I have often spoken the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:22-27 “The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace.” ‘ “So they will put my name on the Israelites and I will bless them.”“
This was God telling His priests how to speak a blessing over God’s people. He wants them to experience His provision and protection. He wants them to enjoy peace with Him and with each other. He wants to be in their midst, enjoying their love and fellowship. He promises to provide for their needs cheerfully. He gives them His Name, rich with provision and power and comfort. He desires to forgive their sins and restore each one to His family. There is joy and peace in Father’s House seeing His smiling Face!
Think of someone with a smile that radiates love, warmth and acceptance. My mother had that kind of smile! God is telling us that His face is smiling at us and His grace is being poured out on us. When He is looking at us and smiling, we have peace that passes understanding. God is not angry with His people when they come to Him for forgiveness, fellowship and favors. This pleasing doesn’t come from our perfect behavior, but in spite of our sin and rebellion! Jesus Christ has pleased the Father by His perfect obedience. When we trust in Christ and believe on Him, we are given a gift of right standing and the smile of God’s face can be turned toward us! May the Lord bless and keep you today, may His face smile lovingly on you and your family! May His peace fill your lives! May His name be upon you!
Do you picture God the Father with a smile or a frown as He sees you? Have you responded to His invitation to come to Jesus? Do you know someone in your family or among your friends that needs a smile or blessing today? Let’s reflect God’s smile in our world!
I receive the blessing!
Scripture reading for March 4th: Numbers 6-7, Hebrews 13
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 13:20-21 “Now may the God of peace Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
The Jewish believer who wrote Hebrews, ended his letter with a wonderful benediction or blessing. He speaks a prayer of blessing over believers that the “God of peace” Who raised Jesus Christ, His Son, from the dead, would equip them with all they needed to do His will and be pleasing in His sight. The “Great Shepherd” Jesus Himself would enable them. His glory would be eternal! Amen!
Numbers 6:22-27 “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, “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 you put My Name upon the people of Israel and I will bless them.”
Faith Confession and prayer: I receive the blessings of God through Jesus Christ my Lord and Great Shepherd, risen from the dead by my Father of peace. Lord, equip me afresh today to do Your will and bring You eternal glory. Amen!
The Joy of His Smiling Face!
Scripture reading for February 8th: Numbers 6-10
Key Scriptures: Numbers 6:22-27 “The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “‘” The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” “So they will put My Name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.””
God gave specific instructions as to how Aaron, the appointed High Priest and his successors were to bless God’s people. They were to declare God’s blessing and protection over His people and declare His smiling face upon them and His grace and peace over them. This would mark God’s people with His Name!
Rejoice in God’s blessing: It will be the ultimate pleasure of all believers marked by God’s name through faith in Jesus Christ to see God’s face! “They will see His face and His Name will be on their foreheads.” (Revelation 22:4)