Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Ancient Blessing - Forward Purpose

One of my all-time favorite blessings comes from Numbers 6:24-26 and is known as the "Aaronic Benediction." This is the blessing that God instructed Moses to tell Aaron to give to the children of Israel.It is a very beautiful and simple blessing which speaks to God touching the lives of man and goes as follows:


"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."


What more could any Christian disciple want?

One day as I was contemplating this scripture when I felt quickened that there was another aspect to this blessing. We as Christians should not just reap blessings from God, but use what we are given to fulfill the Great Commission. One of my jobs at church is to dismiss services and in doing so I wanted to leave the congregation with a blessing that would also give a forward directive. What I share with them every week goes like this:


"May the Lord bless you and keep; may His face shine upon you, and may you use His light to go and light the rest of your world - go in peace."


My wordsmithing is amateur at best, but I do feel good about the message being promoted. My encouragement to all is not to just revel in the blessings of God, but to use those blessings to do a work for Him.


What do you think about this? Do you have any ways in which you are currently using what God has blessed you with to work for the kingdom or to help other? As always friends, safe travels - go in peace.

31 comments:

Unknown said...

I love this sentence, "My encouragement to all is not to just revel in the blessings of God, but to use those blessings to do a work for Him." Great encouragement!

I feel God has blessed me with a gift of writing so I try to bless others with my words.

Carlos said...

Thanks Alisa. You really do have a gift for writing. I love seeing what new thing you share when you post. Not only are your posts inspirational for me but I have been able to direct many people to your blog and they have told me how much they enjoy your posts. Keep using your gift to the Glory of God :)

Anonymous said...

1. What more could any Christian disciple want? The icing on the cake will come when we hear "well done" from our Lord Jesus.

2. Do you have any ways in which you are currently using what God has blessed you with to work for the kingdom or to help other?

Yes. My blog. :-)

~Ron

Carlos said...

Amen Brother! You are truly ministering with you blog. Keep on doing what you do "Old Geezer" :)

Toyin O. said...

Amen! We are suppose to bring our two fishes and five loaves to Jesus and allow him feed thousands with it.

Toyin O. said...

Amen! We are suppose to bring our two fishes and five loaves to Jesus and allow him feed thousands with it.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Wonderful post, thank you. Our pastor ends his service with a blessing and I hold my hands upright and in front of me so I can receive the blessing.
I. Want. The. Blessing. and am not afraid to look foolish to get it -smile. I'm also one of those crazy women who will see babies in the store and ask the parents if I can pray a blessing over their children. Do you know, I've never had a parent say "no". Everyone sane wants love and blessings for their children, their home and themselves.
Amen.

Carlos said...

Thanks Toyin, you are absolutely right. We bring whatever we have and give it God. May God bless what you give :)

Carlos said...

Thanks Sandra,
You just keep on sharing the blessings of God! People may not always understand, but you are right - they sure don't mind the blessings :) You are welcome here anytime.

Carlos said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Patrinas Pencil said...

As 24/7 caregiver to my 84 year old pastor Father, I lay my hand on his forehead every night and say the priestly blessing from Numbers. I change the words occasionally to - to fit the need - It is the most effective thing I have done for him in His condition. His mind relaxes the moment I place my hand upon his forehead.

God job Carlos! God bless you with His Shalom of heaven!

Patrina <")>><

Carlos said...

Patrina, that is a great testimony to the power of God's word. It is awesome that you found such a meaningful way to use this blessing. May God continue to bless you and your family. You are welcome here anytime :)

JT said...

I serve God by teaching Sunday School in our First Baptist Church. My blessing is the privilege of teaching God's word. May God Bless You.

Pia said...

hi. in my own little way, i blog about my faith, i share Jesus to people through writing (nothing professional though just my personal experience and my journey in life). i hope that somehow people who experience the same struggles as i am will be able to relate.

God bless you.

Carlos said...

JT, thanks for stopping by. Keep on teaching and helping people move closer to God. May God keep you in the center of His will :)

Carlos said...

Pia, thanks for visiting. I really enjoyed reading your blog. Keep on sharing and making impacts in others lives. May God bless your efforts.

Chad Estes said...

Love this blessing!

dtbrents said...

I love that blessing. I enjoy John Hagee's TV program and always look forward to the blessing at the end. I like the blessing you wrote. Doylene

Terry said...

dear carlos..any friend of mr. old geezer's is a friend of mine!
carlos..are you spanish speaking?
god bless you and thanks for following my blog....from terry

Patricia said...

Our church service often ends with those exact words. It always makes me feel more prepared to meet the world. Thank you for sharing.

Supri said...

I love you all... this is good sharing in blog and all country.. :)

Sarah said...

We are blessed beyond measure to share the gospel, set the captives free, preach to the poor, and live out loud for Jesus.

Delighted to meet you today. I hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a refreshing place to dip my toes.

Splashin,
Sarah

Carlos said...

Sarah, you are welcome here anytime. God Bless you and your family.

Angelo said...

"Cuando estaba esperando, llegaste Señor. ¡Te necesitaba en mi corazón!"
Feliz y Santa Noche de Navidad. Un abrazo

JT said...

I enjoy reading your posts. Have you stopped blogging? Merry Christmas! May God Bless You.

Dakota said...

Wow, neat thought. I guess I've never given much thought to that Scripture, but it really does have deep meaning when you think about it. Thanks for sharing.

By the way, I too have a blog that is somewhat similar to yours. I think you might enjoy it.

www.nocondemnation81.blogspot.com

In Christ,
Dakota
Dt. 23:5

dtbrents said...

I love the blessing. I enjoyed your post. God bless, Doylene

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

Thank you for such a wonderful and inspirational study of God's Word. Blessings my friend in Christ. Lloyd

Anonymous said...

Hi Carlos :-)

I just stopped by to say; "God bless you and above all else, guard your heart for it affects everything else you do."

Have a nice day :-)

~Ron

Crispin Schroeder said...

Good stuff Carlos. Christians get in trouble when we forget that the blessings aren't meant to end with us but to touch others. Thanks for the reminder.

Jeremy Bates said...

Words of "GOD" its truly inspired us! thank you for sharing..