Blessings and Smiles

We have all heard it, many of us could recite it, and I wonder how many could find it in the Bible? Hidden in the book of Numbers among the many instructions, directions and countless reminders of how God’s people failed to listen we run into a short poetic prayer that spells out a blessing that covers the whole nation of Israel.

 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.”’

I have to admit that when I was growing up and still today as the preacher reads these words as a benediction instead of reverently bowing my head and listening to the words I have my eyes wide open looking up towards the heavens in expectation that I will get a glimpse of that light that is shining down on me. These words to me were an open invitation to experience the blessing of a pure and holy relationship with my Heavenly Father. This blessing spoken by Aaron in his time was to communicate the Lords love and commitment to His people.

This prayer and many others like it is the line of communication that helps us as believers to know the Lord and strengthens our personal relationship with him. Spoken through His appointed people these words encourage and ignite a passion that comes when we truly believe in Him. When I study these words I gain a sense of closeness with my God, He is not standing at a distance or behind a wall, He wants to be right here with me face to face. One bible translation replaces the word shine with smile; can you imagine that smile of our great and mighty God stretching as far as the eye can see? I can and it makes me want to smile. Thank you Father for your goodness to your people.