The Lord gave a beautiful blessing through Aaron to Israel recorded in Numbers 6:24. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
How would they know that the Lord God Almighty was pleased with them? They could be kept even when faced with great opposition. There would be the awareness of God’s covenantal grace. They would know Yahweh’s indwelling peace. When the nation walked contrary to their covenant the result seemed as though God had looked away. The nation was vulnerable, grace seemed in short supply and there certainly wasn’t any inner or outward peace.
There are some quotes in the Psalms dealing with the ‘shine’ from the face of God. Asaph wrote Psalm 80 and it highlights the nation’s longing through their disgrace and defeat. Three times Asaph appeals to God to shine on them so that they might be saved. (Psalm 80:3,7,19). David in Psalm 31:16:’Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.’ In Psalm 119:135 the writer equates the experience of knowing God’s smile through knowing and keeping God’s word.
It interests me that various writers hark back to the blessing by Aaron. They sought His face, acknowledged their errors and as it were, claimed His promise.
Is there something similar we as Christians can cling too? Is there a blessing for us from the triune God? 2 Corinthians 13:13; ‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.’ How awesome is that? Grace for us through life’s turbulence. Love for us even though He knows us. Communion with the Holy Spirit so that we can share with God our everyday events, hopes and fears. What is the place where this takes place? Where His breath is felt! 2 Timothy 3:16 (the word for ‘inspired’ is ‘God breathed.’)
The wonder of that relationship is expressed in 2 Corinthians 3:18 ‘All of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.’
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http://rayhawkinsauthor.blogspot.com.au
What a beautiful reminder! Thank you, Ray.
ReplyDeleteG'day Lisa.
DeleteNice to have a word from you. I keep in touch with your movements through Mary and FB. Have a great week.
It's quite something when you consider that the blessing God gave to Aaron all those years ago is still used in our services today! Thank you Ray.
ReplyDeleteG'day Shirley.
DeleteThe word of God is timeless is it not. I love the wonder of sensing the smile of God (Don't like it when my spiritual life is contrary to what the Lord requires and He turns His face away. That certainly motivates repentance.)
Wish you God joy throughout the coming days.