I find this interesting because I remember listening to Pastor Betty’s message for 2021, and it was on the same Benediction Blessing verses. And today’s Scripture reading is exactly the same, and I am sure the Holy Spirit wants to remind us of “The Blessings of His Name” for 2022.
Today, our mobile phones are loaded with New Year wishes, TV and radio personalities wish into microphones and cameras – we hear them from so many different sources.
Carefully note what God tells us: “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them, The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.’ So, they will put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:23-27)
In this way, God places His all-important NAME on us, His people. A comparison would be that of signing on a cheque. An unsigned check is void and worthless until the owner ‘s “name” has been placed upon it. Our lives, our years, our purpose in living are “void and worthless” until God places His Name upon us.
Looking back at 2021, there were some real surprises for us, both good and bad.
We live in an uncertain world: lock-down days, international instability; uncertain economy; natural disasters; sickness or even death, many without warning.
Amidst all of this, God’s Blessing is that He KEEPS us. We seldom see how God works “behind the scenes” protecting, preserving, and warding off danger. But HE does!
“The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you” How frightening it would be to have the Almighty Creator “frowned or scowled” at us? For this is exactly what our sins deserve! But because of our Savior, Jesus; in His NAME God treats us FAR BETTER than we deserve! For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear (love and trust) Him Psalm 103:10-11
“The LORD look upon you with favour and give you peace.” When someone is talking to you; if you turn your back, refuse to look at them it simply means you dislike them for something that they did against you! But God “turns His face toward us;” we always get His full and undivided attention irrespective of how we treated Him. What a Blessing to know that in these days of distractions and interruptions; God always “looks upon His children with favour;” we can talk to Him at any time and have His full attention! And He gives us “peace.” “Peace” is the assurance that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
The New Year, and it’s every new day, will probably still brings its share of uncertainties. But remember God has “placed His name upon us” we have far more protection than this!
Therefore, with joy and thanksgiving, we eagerly continue receiving “the Blessing” of God’s name upon us as the Lord continues to bless us in this New Year.
See you in Church tomorrow as we receive God’s gracious blessings and live as God’s dear children in the New Year 2022!
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