4 Powerful Statements of Blessing for You

Read Numbers 5-6.

As we saw in Leviticus, the LORD is serious about holiness.  He is holy and wants His people to be holy.  This is directly linked in this chapter to physical, relational and spiritual purity.  Separating the leper, for instance, protected the rest of the nation from the disease.  Dealing with breaking the wedding vows in such a public manner served as a severe warning to those who violated their promises and protected the nation's families.  Holding a specific promise like the Nazarite vow to God with such detail shows just how the LORD views and values human statements of intent.

With all the restrictions and curses for violations, one might conclude that God is harsh in His requirements.  Yet, notice how quickly this section turns to God's goodness.  In His instructions to Moses, God even included how to publicly bless the people.  Perhaps, every Christian minister has used these words at one time or another and some quote this passage every week.  This serves as a model of how to pray a blessing over the people.  Notice the elements.  It is not Moses or other leaders who supply these things to the nation.  These are God's people.  He is the One who blesses them and these blessings are based squarely on promises God has made.

1. The Provision of the LORD.

"The LORD bless you..." 

James 1:17-"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

2. The Protection of the LORD.

"...and keep you."

Isaiah 41:10-"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

3. The Presence of the LORD.

"The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you."

Hebrews 13:5b-"I will never leave you nor forsake you."

4. The Peace of the LORD.

"The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

Isaiah 26:3,4-"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock."