Blessings Abundant
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, to know you is to find joy; the joy of pardon, presence, peace, and power. I open myself to your good gifts.
The Priestly Blessing
22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
24 “‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
Offerings at the Dedication of the Tabernacle
7 When Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed and consecrated it and all its furnishings. He also anointed and consecrated the altar and all its utensils. 2 Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of families who were the tribal leaders in charge of those who were counted, made offerings. 3 They brought as their gifts before the Lord six covered carts and twelve oxen—an ox from each leader and a cart from every two. These they presented before the tabernacle.
4 The Lord said to Moses, 5 “Accept these from them, that they may be used in the work at the tent of meeting. Give them to the Levites as each man’s work requires.”
6 So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. 7 He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required, 8 and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. 9 But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.
10 When the altar was anointed, the leaders brought their offerings for its dedication and presented them before the altar. 11 For the Lord had said to Moses, “Each day one leader is to bring his offering for the dedication of the altar.”
Numbers 6:22-7:11
REFLECT:
Take time to praise God for blessing us ‘with every spiritual blessing in Christ’ (Ephesians 1:3).
Pilgrimages can be tiring. Early mornings and long distances lead to weary travelers. In leading tours of the Holy Land, I have found it is so important to start each day’s journey with a group devotion and a prayer. Tired eyes soon begin to spark up. Today’s adventure begins. With Israel’s journey about to begin, God gives Aaron and the priests such a start to their day, a blessing to help them on their way (vs 24–26). Look at each line carefully. Notice how each describes the Lord’s promises of how he will act toward his people. He will bless them and keep them (v 24). With danger ahead he guarantees their protection and future. He then assures them of his love and grace (v 25). As a parent’s face lights up when they see their newborn child, so the Lord’s face constantly shines with pleasure toward Israel his son (Jeremiah 31:20). Finally, he pledges his presence and peace (v 26). God’s constant attention will assuredly lead to shalom – Israel’s well-being, health and prosperity.
In the light of this, the response of the people is unsurprising. Tribe after tribe bring a fellowship offering to be dedicated at the altar (vs 10,11,17). The people recognize that God’s generosity deserves nothing less.
APPLY:
Although Aaron’s prayer of blessing is prayed corporately, the words are addressed to individuals. What do you need to hear from it today?
CLOSING PRAYER:
Merciful Father, truly your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). Your grace and blessing are the glue that holds everything together. How great you are.
Syndicated via Scripture Union. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.