Personal Reflection by Linda Bidler

Personal Reflection by Linda Bidler

“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.”  (Numbers 6:22-27 NIV)

Reflection:

“This blessing has five parts:   Bless and keep them (favor and protect), make His face shine upon them (be pleased), be gracious (merciful and compassionate), turn His face toward them (give His approval), give peace …”(Bible footnote)

I was surprised to find this blessing right in the middle of instructions of the law and the dedication offerings of the tabernacle. It seems “out of place” in the middle of these lengthy, meticulous directions.  But then I realized “where” the words were placed was just as important as the words themselves.

God doesn’t want a “one-way” relationship with us. As He had an expectation of obedience from the Nazirites, He also wants our obedience, and He wants to bless us as He chose to bless them.  Blessing follows obedience.

“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.  All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God…”(Deuteronomy 28:1-2 NIV)

Jesus in the Old Testament:

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. (John 1:16 NLT)

Prayer:

Father, You are awesome!  In the midst of Your call for obedience, Your love shines through. You turn Your face toward me and give me peace.  Help me to turn to You every day in response to that peace by answering Your call.   In Jesus’ name, I pray

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