40 Days Pondering the Fruit of the Spirit

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days PONDERING the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Day 14 |PEACE
PEACE

Numbers 6:22-26
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, “This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” 
(NKJV)

Known as the “Priestly Blessing” or Benediction, Aaron and his sons used this as he and Moses led the Israelites in the desert.  

PEACE, what a wonderful word. Do YOU know anyone who doesn’t want to have peace?
And yet, look at our world today, last month, last year, or ten years ago. Spurts of peace – maybe – but short-lived.

What does this blessing teach us today about receiving God’s PEACE?

A couple of things stand out to me. First, God WANTS to bless His children and thus commanded Moses, Aaron, and their descendants to BLESS the people. God’s blessings on them (and us too) are SO in keeping with His character and LOVE for us. Don’t forget, “For God so loved the world.”

I try to imagine the Lord’s face smiling and shining on me, perhaps as any parent might when looking at his child.

To “lift up” one’s eyes means to look favorably towards. One writer put it this way, “When God smiles on his people, they can be sure that he will be gracious to them, that is, he will deliver them from all their troubles. He will answer their prayers and save them from their enemies.”  (Wenham)

And finally, “and give you SHALOM (peace).”  

It’s a blessing that WE – God’s children – can enjoy PEACE, from God, in the midst of whatever is happening around us. Remember, His peace is available to us every day, no matter what.

Prayer: LORD, I desire to receive your peace which “passes all understanding.” Thank You for caring enough to bless me with Your face, grace, countenance, and peace. Amen.