The Lord Bless You
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
We often hear these words in a benediction or sung at the end of a service. This scripture was originally given to Aaron and his sons who were in the line of High Priests to share God’s blessing with the people of Israel. This blessing included God’s divine protection, presence, mercy, peace and his favor to rest upon his people. As followers of Christ and people of the New Covenant, not only can we receive that same blessing, but we can also pass that blessing along to others.
Throughout each of our days, we can either bless or curse those in our family, those along our path or in our ZOOM call – with a kind word, a curt answer, a frown, a thoughtful text, or a listening ear. Recently, I was driving through my neighborhood and saw the trash collectors. I slowed down, waved and said thank you. If they didn’t do their jobs, we would be in a mess. As I drove a little further, I heard a prompting in my spirit to bless them. I literally never have cash, but that morning I had gotten a few $20 bills. So I turned around, found them, parked the car and gave them cash. I got a big smile and large thank you in return. #blessing
A few hours later, I was working on getting a large limb cleared from my yard. I was literally fussing with the guy that was helping me – no, it wasn’t my husband. The limb got removed, and I went on with my day. However, I couldn’t shake the fact that I was not kind to him during our conversation. How can I be blessing to someone one minute and “cursing” someone the next? I texted him an apology later that day, and I got the sweetest response in return. Even a curse can turn into blessing when you ask for forgiveness.
As you go through this day, may this song get stuck in your head as a reminder to bless those on your path today. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you, To shine upon you and be gracious, and be gracious unto you….and give you peace.
For Reflection
What promptings have you heard in your spirit recently? Did you follow-through or not?
Who will be on your path today that you could intentionally bless?
Do you need to ask forgiveness for a recent “cursing?”
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all the ways you bless our lives. Help us to be your people that bring your goodness to this hurting world. Help us to reflect your love to those around us. In these days of uncertainty and chaos, help us to experience your peace. In Jesus’ name, AMEN