Day 65

Numbers 6:1–7:89; Mark 12:38–13:13; Psalm 49:1-20; Proverbs 10:27-28

“WHENEVER AARON AND his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them,” God said in our reading from Numbers today (Numbers 6:27). The words of this blessing were given just prior:

May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.

What’s fascinating about this benediction is how it changes the atmosphere. It is a blessing, not a curse. And it is impossible to truly bless someone while simultaneously cursing them.

What if we were to pass along this blessing from the Scriptures today? What if we spoke it over our children and spouses, our coworkers and those in authority? Perhaps thinking in terms of blessing and cursing would cause us to consider deeply what we are saying to others. The power to bless and to curse is sitting just behind our teeth. If we speak the words of life found in this blessing (either silently or with full voice) over those we encounter today, not only will we be orienting our own hearts to the posture of the Kingdom Jesus taught about, but God Himself will affirm our hearts by sending His blessing.

MEDITATION:

Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me? . . . God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave.