"The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face to you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26. The Life Application Bible, New International Version goes on to tell us that 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:
• Bless them and keep them (favor and protect)
• Make his face shine upon them (be pleased)
• Be gracious (merciful and compassionate)
• Turn his face toward them (give his approval) and,
• Give 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 caring model for others.
About a year ago, our church adopted what we call the Deacon Family Ministry Plan. It is a care group wherein each Deacon is assigned families which we care for.
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We are committed to praying for them on a regular basis, visiting the ill or hospitalized, rejoicing with them in their victories and praying with them in times of difficulty, answering any questions they have about things going on at the church, and keeping our spirits attuned to the body and requesting their input. We also ask how we can better live out our mission statement of Loving God, Loving People, and Growing in Christ. Please keep us in prayer because this is a monumental undertaking and definitely a God thing.
Easter is one week away. I’m reminded of John 3:16 which says; For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. The entire essence of the gospel comes to life here. God sets the pattern of true love, the basis of all love relationships. When you love someone you are willing to give freely to the point of sacrifice. That’s what God did with Jesus. God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. He lived; he died, and on the third day he rose again. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life he had bought for us. Hallelujah to the King of Kings.
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