Numbers 6: An Ancient Blessing

"The Lord spoke to Moses: Tell Aaron and his sons how you are to bless the Israelites.  Say to them:

The Lord bless you and protect you;

the Lord make His face shine on you,

and be gracious to you;

the Lord look with favor on you

and give you peace."

Numbers 6:22-26

I find it interesting to note that God asked Moses and Aaron to bless His people.  He did not give the blessing Himself.  In fact, as I think back on what I've read so far, I don't recall any blessings which were given directly from the Lord.  I'm certain that I'm just forgetting - I'm sure there have been plenty of times where this has happened - but the bulk of the time we see humans give blessings unto one another.  A blessing from father to son, from father-in-law to his daughter's groom, from a man to his brother, etc.

One trademark of our culture is that we constantly ask God to bless others and ourselves in our prayers.  We always tell others that God will bless them.  How often do we give that blessing ourselves instead of waiting for God to do it?

It's wonderful to tell someone that God will bless them, especially because - in truth - He does and will.  Simply being reminded of this fact can help bring peace to a believer who is struggling.  But what happens when you say this to someone whose faith is lacking or nonexistent?  Does it give them comfort?  Do they open their eyes to the Source when they eventually are blessed?

Question of the Day:

Would it not be better to find specific ways to help those in need, and then follow with the verbal blessing?  Take note of what the Lord has done here.  He delivered His people from slavery and oppression, unified them and gave them direction, and then He said, "The Lord bless you."

Prayer of the Day:

Let me be a blessing unto those who need me, and let my actions draw others closer to You.  Amen.