When the Israelite priests blessed the people, they were invoking the power of God on behalf of the people of God. They would speak blessings for numerous descendants, abundant crops, good health, long life, deliverance, and protection. In this priestly blessing, the priest asks that the face of God shine upon His people so that his righteous character would be reflected in His people. He also evoked God’s gracious favor that is beyond measure. Next, the priest asked that God’s countenance would be upon His people. This means that he was asking God to give His full and direct attention toward the needs and desires of Israel, which would then bring peace as God dwelt among them.
It’s easy to ask God to bless the people we care about – our family, children, spouse, friends, co-workers, etc. But what about the person that cut you off in rush hour traffic this morning or the co-worker that stabbed you in the back and took the promotion that should have been yours, or the spouse that should be loving but it abusive instead? Our tendency in such situations is to pray more for God to give them justice. But what if we memorized this verse and prayed it over every person that wrongs us? It might be hard to do, but doing so reflects the very nature and character of Christ who forgave us and blessed us with salvation at his own expense – even when we did not deserve it. Try praying a blessing on the people that are difficult in your life and see what happens – and keep on praying a blessing every time God brings that person to your memory.
God, Love and Marshmallow Wars: This book contains 365 daily challenges for couples to strengthen their relationships to each other and with God. Couples will complete activities such as Scripture memory, conversation starters, relationship builders, learning about Biblical marriage, romance builders, personal reflections, and date ideas. Click here to purchase your copy. (This link will open a new widow and take you to Westbow Press’ bookstore.) Also available on Amazon and Barnes & Nobel. It is also available at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Nobel
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