Scripture: Numbers 6:24-26
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.
Thought for the Day: This is probably the most well known Benediction used in the life of the church. I heard it every Sunday in my childhood, and though I take a slightly different approach when offering a Benediction, I will use it on occasion. These words came at a time of transition in the life of Israel. They were used as an example to the priests of how they were to offer a blessing upon others. Though we tend to associate them with the end of a worship service, these words were intended as a blessing in many different settings and situations. The Hebrew word for blessing is Barak, and it can mean a whole host of things. I appreciate the Jewish Rabbi who described blessing to me as those things you desire in your last hour of life – family and friends, comfort, peacefulness within our minds and spirits, a healthy relationship with God, etc. In today’s world, we have associated blessing with money and material items. In that last hour of life, I doubt my mind will consider how blessed I was in regard to my checking account. The actual amount (or the lack there of) will not be of concern.
Prayer: You, Holy One, continue to provide the true blessings of life, yet I am not always aware of their spiritual beauty. I look with skewed vision – to shallow definitions of blessing that are neither comforting or life-giving. Speak to me again, Gracious God, revealing the true blessings of your love. Amen.
And Looking Ahead
June 7
Congregational Meeting
9am in the Forum
Noon in the Centrum
To vote on the new Bylaws
