God had brought His people out of Egypt, had them construct the tabernacle and organized the men by clans and families 20 years of age and older into an army and the men 2--50 years of age who were Levites to assist in carrying the tabernacle, its furnishings, down to the poles and posts.
Here in this very touching and moving passage of scripture we come to the Aaronic Blessing or the Priestly Blessing. In this census in Numbers, being completed, a great blessing was given.
It is Person to person, from the LORD God to the individual. We have personal God, From Genesis to Revelation, from Adam and Abraham He addresses us on a first name basis. The twelve tribes named from their ancestors, the twelve sons of Israel, the twelve apostles are known to us on a first name basis. Even the LORD Himself is revealed as Jesus as His Name. I often wonder what the LORD thinks of the titles of religion we have come us with: Reverend, The most holy reverend, Doctor...
God is speaking from the His Heart through the priests to bless the Israelites to our hearts.
In this blessings we see...
1. How to Have Peace in the Battle vs.22-26
Remember God had organized the army, 600,000 plus strong. He was getting them ready to fight. He had each of their names written down as the census was taken.
Then He blesses them with peace. Peace in the Battle? How?
Obviously He is not talking about an outer absence of war or fighting. It is peace in our hearts and minds. This can only come from God. Peace from Him being in us.
We can have peace in the battle if He is with us. Psalm 23.4 you are with me.
This blessing is the blessing of His Presence. The knowledge that God is with us.
Immanuel= God with us Isaiah 7.14
We can have peace in the battle, in the storms of life, in the dark times- all the time!
There are times when we are conscious of His Presence and times when we are confident of His Presence.
He establishes peace with a completeness of well being for His people.
This Beautiful Blessing tells us of one of the reasons we can have peace in the battle. We are...
2. Kept By the LORD. -v.24
The LORD protects us. He guards us. Psalm 124.8 Our Help is in the Name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Jesus prayed in John 17.11 I am coming to You Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your Name.
Psalm 121 enlarges on this blessing.
He protects us from trouble from the external sources by the peace He gives us in our hearts. (John 16.33)
We are kept from the evil one.
Satan would like nothing more than to bring down God's men and women. We must do our part.
I Peter 5.8-9 Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. If we do this we will remember that the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet Romans 16.20
This blessing promises...
3. The LORD's Face Lighting our Way to the Promised Land. vs.25-26
God's smile on us, as a father smiles on his child.
As a man takes pleasure in a friend.
Psalm 31.16 David prayed: "Let Your face shine upon Your servant."
II Corinthians 4.4 the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God.
The Love of the Father-v.24
The Grace of the LORD Jesus Christ-v.25
The Communion of the Holy Spirit-v.26
All part of this Light from the LORD's face as they moved along that way to the Promised Land.
Genesis 12.1-3 We are blessed to a blessing.
His Name upon us- "Christians" All the wonderful meanings of the Names of God are ours in Christ Jesus!
The Beautiful Blessing for God's people is for you!
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