Blessing

The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: " ' "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace" ' " (Numbers 6:22-26).

Part of the priests' role, as representatives of the people before the Holy One of Israel, was to bring blessing to the people. The idea was that through their work, God would bless Israel and turn His face toward them in favor. Of course this system was far from ideal; the priests were flawed humans and the Israelites were unfaithful.

Ultimately Christ, our High Priest, was the only one who could--and DID--bring us blessing in this way, once and for all. Through Him God's face shines on us in favor and acceptance. Because of Him, God turns His face toward us with pleasure. In Him we have been given true shalom...rightness...peace that passes understanding...reconciliation with our Creator and King.

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).