4/8

“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.”

Numbers 6:24-26

 

Have you ever heard this before?
It’s called the “priestly blessing” and is often found at the end of certain kinds of worship services or times of prayer.
These words get this title because the Jewish priests were commanded by God to give the people this blessing.
Modern practice states people of the Jewish faith should say this blessing daily.
Daily you guys.
And honestly – I think they have the right idea.
We need this blessing daily.

And I think we need it in two ways:
First, for us.
This blessing is a reminder of God’s promises that we can draw on each day.
Promises that have already come true!
We don’t need to ask God to be with us – God IS with us.
We don’t need to ask for God’s grace – God has already given us grace.
We don’t need to ask for peace – God has brought us peace. (remember last week?)
Sure, we can ask God for those things when we are feeling their lack, but God isn’t just sitting waiting on your request.  All of this has already happened.
My two favorite parts of this blessing are “barak shamar” and “nasa panyim” which we translate as “bless and keep” and “turn his face toward” respectively.

First, “barak shamar” – blessing and keeping. You could translate this as bless and protect.  So yes God blesses us, but God goes a step further, and makes it ongoing – blessing that protects us and continually blesses us.  I just love that.

And second – “nasa panyim”  – turn toward.  As I’m an image-driven person, I love the picture of God literally turning toward me.  Giving me full attention.  Creating the fullest intimacy possible.

Oh man.  Just close your eyes and picture it with me.  

So if you’re feeling down today, if you find yourself struggling – remember these promises.
God is blessing and protecting you. Even when it doesn’t feel like it.
God is looking at you and covering you with grace and mercy.
And if you need to hear these promises – ask someone to say them over you.

 Or hear me saying it now:
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face shine on you with grace and mercy.
May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
(if you want it live, call me – I’ve got you)

 

Lastly, if we’re feeling pretty good, we most likely know someone who isn’t doing as well.
Say this blessing for that person today.
Right now.
Even call them or send them an email.
Be an uplifter today.