THE BLESSING OF THE LORD – “GIVE THEE HIS SHALOM”

The world, as we see it today, is in chaos. It always was, ever since man chose to sin, and rebel against his Creator. The times we live are the worst of all times ever. The ugliest side of man is on full display, and we call it, the most progressive version of man. Adolf Hitler’s quote about a generation devoid of conscience is telling about what ails the world today. 
– “I want to raise a generation of young people devoid of a conscience imperious, relentless and cruel.”
Sadly, there are many a men, in the present world, more evil than Hitler, doing precisely the same, and much more, with unopposed impunity. Hitler and his henchmen have succeeded in installing a man, devoid of conscience.

Let us look at the divine benediction, and God’s blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, the last of the six part blessing.
– “24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26

The LORD who began the benediction with “blessing human beings, ends His blessing with God’s peace upon His people – “The LORD…give thee peace.” Peace that speaks about, the SHALOM of GOD, in and through the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Redeemer.
– “13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;” – Ephesians 2:13-14

When this blessing of peace rests upon us, 
– It bridges the broken relationship with God, and makes our Peace with God absolutely possible
– It brings peace with our own consciences
– It brings peace with all men

GOD’S SHALOM IS CHRISTMAS
– “10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” – Luke 2:10-14

This Shalom of God makes abundant life possible. Without Jesus Christ of Nazareth in our lives, we would have no peace whatsoever. If there is no peace, the whole blessing, and the benediction, is of no use at all. Only when we have Jesus in our hearts, and are following Him faithfully and obediently in our lives, then we would experience and enjoy this abundant life. This abundance is not necessarily an abundance of material things in life, as some have erroneously come to conclude. This abundant life is the divine blessing, contained in the God ordained benediction of Numbers 6.
– “10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10

THE BLESSING OF THE LORD will “GIVE THEE HIS SHALOM.” God’s shalom will rest upon us and will reside within us. The LORD Jesus who is the Prince of peace, will help us, guide us and provide all what is needed by us, as the Good Shepherd. 
– “11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep…27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” – John 10:11,27-28

May we be always grateful to the LORD for all His uncountable blessings.  Let us be thankful for the blessing of God’s shalom, that He chose to bless us with. Let us walk faithfully and obediently as our Shepherd leads us. Even so, the LORD help us.