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 they put My name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:22-27 ESV)
God’s Name and God’s Blessing
When DeAnne married me, I gave her my name.
When my children were born, we gave them our name.
I regret, at times, that my name has not been an indisputable blessing to any of them. My name is not the equivalent of any particular character traits, historical importance, noble traditions, or inherent power. But the lack of these things makes me glad of the last section of the benediction.
Because my God’s name is a blessing.
Because my God’s name is powerful, powerful enough to overcome the second most powerful thing in the universe, sin.
Because my God’s name is honorable enough to wash away my dishonor, disrespectability, and despair.
Because my God’s name is salvific, beneficial, and necessary.
He blesses His people by giving us His name, through His first-born Son, Jesus. And when He bestows His name on us, He blesses us.
Those are very good words. Words I need.