Numbers 4-6

Yesterday, God asked Moses to take a census of all the Israelites, but He didn't want to include the Levites.  He wanted to count them separately since they serve Him directly.  Today in Numbers 4-6, God finishes counting them.  He organizes them by families and appoints them specific duties related to the Tent of Meeting.  God continues to stress the purity of the Israelite camp and throws in an interesting procedure for testing a potentially unfaithful wife (notice I said potentially).  We also learn about a special Nazirite vow men and women could take back then to dedicate themselves to the Lord.      

I loved the end of God's Word for us today in Numbers 6.  God fills us with His divine advice for keeping us pure and holy.  There's so much to remember about God's story, you know.  But just when I begin to feel overwhelmed, God gently reminds me that His love is all I really need.    

22 The Lord said to Moses, 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 on 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.”

Numbers 6:22-27

This is God's blessing for His people.  It was meant for the Israelites, and as God's story has grown, so have His people.  Now, with Christ in us, this is God's blessing for you and me.  

What a beautiful blessing and and inspiring words for a prayer.  I am so thankful for the gift of God's grace in my life.

I am blessed.  

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Your Living presence in my life.  Thank You for Your blessings for me that transcend time and space.  Forgive me for all the ways I fail to seek Your peace and strength.  Help me to keep Your light and Your grace in the forefront of my mind so I can live as a blessing to others.  

I pray today for _________________.  These names I mention to You, Lord, also need You to shine upon them.  Wrap them in Your arms as I pray for them using Your holy Words-

‘“The Lord bless you

    and keep you;

25 

the Lord make his face shine on you

    and be gracious to you;

26 

the Lord turn his face toward you

    and give you peace.”’

To You, Lord, be all power and glory forever and ever.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,

Amen

Love of Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.