February 19, 2020: SOAP #3730:  Numbers 5-6; Psalm 22; Acts 26

Scripture:   Numbers (NIV) 6:23 Tell Aaron and His sons, “this is how you are to bless the Israelites.  Say to them:
24 “The LORD bless you and keep you
25 The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
27 So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

Observation:     The Israelites developed traditions to respect God’s name as Holy.  In fear of “taking it in vain” they refused to even speak it.  When reading the scriptures, they would respectfully pause when coming to that name.  Here I see that God did not desire His name to be withheld but spread.  The leaders were to place His name on His people!  They were to know that name.  They were to experience blessings in that Name.  They were to look forward to hearing that name and being blessed in that Name.

How sad that today, that references to God and His Son Jesus are publicly heard more in cursing than in blessing.  They are heard more in thoughtless phrases (Oh, my god!) than in meaningful blessings (like the verses above.)

Application:   How special to know my Heavenly Father through His Son Jesus!   How special to be blest in the name of Jesus!  What a privilege to be allowed to pray to the Father in the Name of Jesus!   What a high privilege to be encouraged to bless others in the Name of the Lord!

Prayer:   Lord, what a high honor to be identified with your name!  May the words that come out of my mouth show that I am blest and thankful to know you and be your servant.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!