Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

January 25
Sunday


BENEDICTION
BLESSING

READ:
Numbers 6:22-27
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The LORD bless you
and keep you.
__Numbers 6:24
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Our church introduced a new practice for the close of our traditional morning worship service. We turn to one another and sing the familiar Aaronic blessing the Lord gave to Moses to give to Israel: "The LORD bless you and keep you; he LORD make his face shine upon you..." (Num. 6:24-26). Our hearts are uplifted as we mutually catch the eye of a fellow believer and extend our blessing to him or her.

One Sunday, I noticed a heartwarming and special exchange that has now become a weekly event. In a pew near the front sat Oscar and Marian Carlson, faithful followers of Jesus Christ and devoted partners for the 62 years of their married life. When we began to sing, Oscar reached over and took Marian's hands in his. They sang the opening words of this special blessing to each other before looking to others. Everyone nearby sneaked a peek at the look of love and tenderness on their faces.

A benediction is not simply a ritualistic closing; it's a genuine prayerful wish for God's goodness to follow the other person. In offering it to one another, Oscar and Marian exemplify its warmest gratitude for what God has done for us through Christ's death (Heb. 13:20-21). __Dave Egner
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``````````````Bless me, Lord, and make me a blessing;`````````````
``````````````````I'll gladly your message convey;````````````````
````````````````Use me to help some poor needy soul,`````````````
``````````````And make me a blessing today. __Anon.`````````````
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God gives blessing to us
so we can be a blessing to others.

**************Today's Bible Reading __ Numbers 6:22-27***********

22 And the LORD spoke to
Moses, saying: 23 "Speak to
Aaron and his sons, saying,
'This is the way you shall
bless the children of Israel.
Say to them:

24 "The LORD bless you
and keep you; 25 the LORD
make His face shine upon
you, and be gracious to
you; 26 the LORD lift up His
countenance upon you, and
give you peace." '

27 "So they shall put My
name on the hcildren of
Israel, and I will bless
them."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Acording to Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe, "This benediction
may be the most quoted of all the benedictions" (Bless You, p.13).
Although it is intended for Israel as a people of God, "the six 'you'
pronouns are all singular, indicating that God's blessing is for the
individual" (p.14). It affirms that God provides and protects His
people (v.24), assuring them of His presence (vv.25a,26a,27), pardon(v.25b), and peace (v.26b). The Hebrew concept of peace (shalom)is all-embracing and includes the concepts of completeness, security, health, tranquility, contentment, friendship, and peace with God and man. __Sim Kay Tee