Exodus 33:19 NKJV
“Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.””
4. GOD IS GRACIOUS (1)
Another characteristic of God’s glory is His graciousness. God is gracious towards us! It is exciting, however, that the moment I thought of God as gracious, the Priestly Blessing from the Book of Numbers came to mind.
Therefore, before we proceed to discuss this character trait of God, I feel led to release this blessing on your life. Oh, may you come to know the graciousness of our God and receive the grace to trust Him more!
THE PRIESTLY BLESSING – BIRKAT KOHANIM
Numbers 6:22-27 NKJV
“[22] And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: [23] “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. 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 lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”‘ [27] “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.””
The priestly blessing was a blessing bestowed daily on the Israelites by the priests, as instituted by God Himself. The priest would remove his shoes and approach the people, and hides his face behind his prayer shawl. He extends his hands towards the congregation, fingers parted and palms stretched outwards. He waits, in anticipation of the holy moment. The congregation hide behind their own prayer shawls to avoid gazing directly upon the priest, for they believed that the presence of God rests upon the priest during this time.
The Priest speaks the words of the blessings from Numbers 6:24–26. As the blessing concludes, a sense of rapture envelops the congregation, and the people break out in joyful song. There is a sense that they have just been especially blessed by God, Himself, the One Who bestows all blessings! Somehow, the people feel elated, and uplifted to a higher plane, almost as if God had just reached down from His throne in heaven, scooped them up and drawn them close.
WHY THE EUPHORIA?
What is it about the priestly blessing that triggers such euphoria? Why does it have the power to uplift? How does this blessing differ from any other blessing?
- The blessing is from God Himself to His people. It is not the priest blessing God’s people, but God Himself blessing His people through His priest.
- The priest, therefore, stands not as one making supplications to God, but as a conduit or channel through whom God is sending His blessings to His people. (Hence, the outward spreading of the palms towards the people, rather than the traditional posture for prayer, upwards towards God. With his palm, the priest forms a vessel into which God pours a blessing).
- Like someone said, it is as if the priest pours his heart out in prayer to God and says, “Dear God, I know how much You love Your children and how much You enjoy providing for them. Happily, I am in a position to offer You one such opportunity. This is what Your children lack, and here is how You might engage in Your favourite pastime of providing for them.” GLORY!
- It is remarkable that the priest makes the request, not for the people’s sakes, but for God’s sake – that God might have the joy and pleasure of blessing His people!
- Therefore, there must always be joy in the priest’s heart as he prays this prayer, otherwise he is disqualified from doing it.
A SPECIAL BLESSING FOR YOU TODAY
With this in mind, today, with heart-filled and heartfelt joy and exuberant praise, I release the priestly blessing from the LORD upon you, your family and household.
“May the LORD shower His blessings on you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]. May the LORD make His face to shine upon you [with favor], and be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness]. May the LORD lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval], and give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].”
May you experience the goodness, mercy, favour, lovingkindness and graciousness and faithfulness of the Father today and always. In Jesus’ mighty name! Hallelujah! Amen! Have a blessed day and weekend!
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)