Day 5
God's Blessing To You:
"May the LORD bless you and keep you, may the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the LORD turn His Face Towards you... - Numbers 6:24-26a
Does God turn His face away from us? Surely His character quality of lovingkindness or grace would prevent that action. His action for the lost is to watch over them and seek them as the image of the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine and seeking after the one lost sheep or the father who is always watching for the prodigal son to return.
Prevenient grace is always looking, salvation grace is bringing into forgiveness and
redemption, and sanctifying grace is victory over the sin nature and purification.
Yet the context of this blessing is for the children of Israel as they will go to the promise
land. God gives the warning that if they disobey then He will remove blessing from
them, they will lose land, crops, animals, and health. Their turning away is because of
their willful disobedience of His will and His law and causes His face to turn away.
So, we conclude that it is both. An important part of turning His face toward us (the
Hebrew meaning of God’s presence being face to face with Him) is our turning back to
him. We are to turn our face toward Him (repentance). So, as we begin this day, think of
how we will do that and how we will follow His example of seeking after the lost sheep.
Prevenient grace is always looking, salvation grace is bringing into forgiveness and
redemption, and sanctifying grace is victory over the sin nature and purification.
Yet the context of this blessing is for the children of Israel as they will go to the promise
land. God gives the warning that if they disobey then He will remove blessing from
them, they will lose land, crops, animals, and health. Their turning away is because of
their willful disobedience of His will and His law and causes His face to turn away.
So, we conclude that it is both. An important part of turning His face toward us (the
Hebrew meaning of God’s presence being face to face with Him) is our turning back to
him. We are to turn our face toward Him (repentance). So, as we begin this day, think of
how we will do that and how we will follow His example of seeking after the lost sheep.
God's Blessing Through You
Below, you will find a few ideas on how you can be a blessing to others in your life today. Pick one, or use this as a springboard for a more unique way you can be a blessing to someone God has put in your heart or on your path.
- Bring coffee, a snack, or a small treat to someone unexpectedly.
- Give someone your full attention and genuinely listen.
- Leave a treat or a blessing bag for your mail carrier.