The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;

the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

(Numbers 6:24-26).

This week went by quickly for me - or at least it seemed that way. We're at Friday already, but it seems like it should be Wednesday. Going into the weekend, I thought I would offer a benediction and this one from Numbers is the way I often conclude Sunday's service. "May the Lord bless you and keep you..."

These simple, yet powerful words, offer several blessings that are still relevant for us today: 

They offer a blessing of protection. "The Lord bless you and keep you." This is not merely a wish for good fortune but a declaration of divine protection. God's blessing encompasses more than material prosperity; it encompasses safeguarding us from harm, both seen and unseen. In a world filled with uncertainties and dangers, we can be assured that God is our protector.

They offer a blessing of favor. "The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you." To have the face of God shine upon us is to experience his love and grace in abundance. His favor opens doors that seem closed, his love reminds us we are precious to him, and his grace empowers us to overcome challenges. 

They offer a blessing of presence. "The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." The greatest blessing is not in the accumulation of wealth or the absence of troubles but in the presence of God. When God turns his face toward us, it symbolizes that he is with us and that in his presence there is peace. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but on the unchanging nature of our God.

As you go into this weekend, keep your eyes open to the wonder of God. Be grateful for God's blessings. And, may the peace of God be with you always. Amen.