The Blessing. Numbers 6:24-26. “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Hope expressed—asking for divine favor on behalf of others—a blessing: Please, Lord! “Bless and keep” them, favor and protect them. There are many pitfalls. They need a hedge around them, and the gaps must be filled so the enemy cannot enter. Make the joy of Your blessing a reality that they cannot miss or ignore.
“Make Thy face to shine” upon them, look upon them with pleasure. Give them the delight of heavenly light, surpassing any light of earth or men. Let the darkness flee from them because of the light of Thy countenance. Give them a glimpse of the light of Thy glory and grace; be pleased to do this for Thy people and those who fear Thee enough to seek them with all their hearts.
“Be gracious unto them,” they may not realize their danger. Let the evidence of Your grace turn them back, far away from all other attractions. Prevent them from ignoring the obvious: Your grace and the mercy directed toward them for a lifetime. Even if they seem unaware, be merciful and compassionate toward them.
Lift up Thy countenance upon them so they do not forget it is in Thee they live and move. Let them be reminded of the evidence of a gracious God at every turn. Challenge them to turn toward Thee as Thou dost turn toward them. Have them earnestly desire more than anything Thy divine approval.
Give them true peace; not peace as the world offers or desires, but the genuine article. Peace like a river flowing from Thy throne must be felt, not just described. Let the “peace of God” fill their hearts and minds, and let it be seen by others. This blessing I pray for others, I have enjoyed myself for over seventy years. Thank you, O Gracious Father, from a grateful heart.
May this blessing I ask for others be a benefit to them and to others through them. May this blessing show Thy love to the world through them and me. May this blessing encourage anyone who comes under the influence of this divine balm. May experiencing this blessing serve as a model of caring that brings glory to Thee and Thy great name.