Numbers 6:22-27 - True blessing

Everyone wants a blessed life. For many, blessing is about the things one possesses. But we know that there are situations in life where people who have abundant possessions found that their life had been turned upside down by their plenty. Also, if a blessing is about one’s possessions and positive life, why then did Jesus in the Beatitudes say that it is more blessed to be poor in spirit, or to mourn or to be meek and, etc? Is blessing really found in the things we possess? We all pray and wish for blessings upon ourselves and those we love, but we all will probably struggle when ask what exactly is a blessing? Truthfully speaking, what really is a blessing? Let’s explore!

In Numbers 6:22-27, God through Moses instructed Aaron and his sons what to include in the priestly benediction to be pronounced over the people. A benediction in the believer’s context is essentially a prayer of blessing bestowed upon the people in the believer’s community by the leader. These six verses have come to be known as the Aaronic benediction.  From this instruction to Aaron and his sons, we deduce several truths about what a blessing by God truly constitutes.   

Firstly, we learn that God is the source of the blessing. We learn that the blessing to be bestowed comes from our personal and covenant-keeping God. While the person who makes the pronouncement is the leader, God is the one who will keep us and release the blessing unto us. He is the source of all our blessings in life. Secondly, He will keep us. Not only will He provide what we need in life, but He will also protect us from harm. Thirdly, the key part of the blessing is about an intimate relationship with God. Here the description is a face-to-face relationship. Nothing can be more wonderful in life than a relationship where we engage God intimately. Fourthly, the blessing is about being the recipient of the grace of God. He knows that we are made of feet of clay and will deal with us according to His mercy and not according to what we deserve. Fifthly, the blessing includes God keeping us within His view. For God to lift up His countenance on us is for God to keep His eye on us. Nothing can be more tragic than to have God turn His face away from us. That would be a signal of His disapproval and rejection. Sixthly, the blessing includes peace. This is not just talking about the absence of strife or a state of rest. It suggests harmony and wholeness. It is about a whole relationship with God, with others, and with self.   

In Christ, we are truly blessed. What can be more wonderful than to have God’s favor? In Christ, God has bestowed His blessing upon us. By His grace, He is keeping us safe, protecting us from harm, and preserving us in our journey. He counsels us with His eye upon us, guiding us to the goals He has for us. His peace is the fortress over our minds and will keep us in the knowledge of Christ Jesus. What a blessing!