Today is Monday, February 24th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2761
Some books of the Bible are easy to read and understand; each chapter is a page-turner like a best-selling novel. Other books aren't so easy: names which are hard to pronounce or historical statistics can cause some readers (like me) to have my attention, glaze over. But tucked into every book are nuggets which causes readers to perk up.
The book of Numbers is one of those books. At the beginning, lots of facts. But at the end of chapter 6 is a blessing which some churches use often as their benediction:
"Now the Lord said to Moses,
'Tell Aaron and his sons that they are to give this special blessing
to the people of Israel:
'May the Lord bless you and protect you;
may the Lord's face radiate with joy because of you;
may he be gracious to you;
show you his favor,
and give you peace.'"
~ Numbers 6:24 - 26 LB
Bible Commentary: A blessing was one way of asking for God's divine favor to rest upon others. The ancient blessing in these verses helps us understand what a blessing was supposed to do. Its five parts conveyed hope that God would:
1) bless and protect;
2) radiate with joy (be pleased) because of us;
3) be gracious (merciful and compassionate) to us;
4) show favor to us;
5) give us peace.
When you ask God to bless others or yourself, you are asking him to do these five things. The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, it will also demonstrate love, encourage others, and provide a model of caring to those who watch.
***
Read the Bible blessing above one more time this morning;
this is my prayer of blessing to you.......
from God......
for your day today!
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