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)
The Benediction
We’ll finish our examinations of our God’s blessings to His people with a few glances at the Benediction. Many churches conclude our formal worship with these words. Many churches believe that these words are intended to be spoken primarily by ordained pastors. Many churches hear these words while extending our hands, closing our eyes, and/or being at peace.
However you are used to using or hearing these words, it might be helpful to realize that God spoke these words through Aaron and his sons as a verbal representation of the exact thing that we have been thinking about for the past couple of months: God’s blessings to His people.
God wants to bless His people. God speaks in His word of blessing His people. God does bless His people. And in our mundane moments, our tragedies, our sorrows, and or fears, it is a great thing to notice afresh His blessing, lest we become despondent. Also, in our exciting moments, our triumphs, our joys, and our peace, it is a great thing to notice afresh His blessings, lest we become complacent.
God’s words are a blessing, most clearly THESE words.