THE BLESSING OF THE LORD – “THE LORD BLESS THEE”

The LORD God Almighty, the One who created us, is always keenly interested in our welfare. We see this repeated, time and again, all through the Bible. This is evidently clear from the Priestly Benediction, that our LORD had commanded to be used, as a blessing to be pronounced, upon all, God’s Chosen People, in Numbers 6:24-26.
– “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

For our meditation this morning, let us begin with the first of the six blessings, pronounced upon His people – “THE LORD BLESS THEE” through this threefold blessing.

This special, and one of its kind benediction, in the entire Bible, begins with the concern of the LORD to bless His people. Also, it tells us that, all blessings come from YAHWEH. He alone is the source of all good things, that we can ever enjoy in our lives.
– “17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” – James 1:17

Now the most logical question, that we need to ask ourselves is, *”What does it mean to be blessed?”* What is the sum and the substance of the  “BLESSINGS” of God?

Many erroneously assume that, only the material blessings are all what it there, to the blessings showered the LORD. Sadly, this view is prevalent in many places, all over the world. Much more these days, than in the previous. This view would lead many, to even question God, and His care for them, if they are in material lacking – “Why is this happening to us, if God is with us?” Some others may think, there is something wrong with them personally, and therefore, they are materially poor – the implication being, God’s ‘blessings’ are blocked – based on material lacking in their lives. Let us read Ashlye Elizondo Vanderworp, the Managing Editor for InterVarsity’s Communications Team, USA, narrating her personal experience.
– “Growing up, I was taught from prosperity gospel churches that “blessing” mainly meant something material and financial. But too often people who didn’t get every material blessing they wanted felt like God didn’t love them.” – Ashlye Elizondo Vanderworp

Christian life is, much more than mere physical needs, and material comforts. Yes, they are important for a good life. We should not deny it. However, we miss the whole point about God’s blessings, if we look at it from a very narrow and materialist perspective. It simply indicates our shallow in understanding God, and exposes the shallowness of our spiritual maturity. Let us read what the old servant of God, Matthew Henry has to say about blessings from God.
– “To be under the almighty protection of God our Saviour; to enjoy his favour as the smile of a loving Father, or as the cheering beams of the sun; while he mercifully forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart, and prepares us by his grace for eternal glory; these things form the substance of this blessing, and the sum total of all blessings. In so rich a list of mercies worldly joys are not worthy to be mentioned.” – Matthew Henry

Are we running after bread, shelter and clothing? Do we think, this is all what we call, the blessing from God? Have we not read what the LORD Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, 24-34? Do we remember the following words of Jesus?
– “31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:31-33

Let us remember that the “Blessings” from the LORD, are far deeper, wider and higher than, our misguided interpretation and understanding that, they are material in nature and substance. The Christians of old, they lived a rich life, even though materially, they were wanting, in many ways. Let us get our perspective right about the blessings, and then, our eyes would be opened to see, the true blessings, that the LORD had already blessed us with. When we do so, we would join David, the shepherd boy in saying…
– “​1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1

May the LORD help us to realise that, in Jesus, we already have all what we need. For all who have, the LORD Jesus Christ of Nazareth, in their hearts, we have the very God with us. Therefore, there is no need for anything more. Jehovah Jireh is our blessing. We need nothing more. HalleluYah!
– “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” – Ephesians 1:3,7.
Even so, the LORD help us.