Category Archives: Jewish History/Culture

Taking the Long Way

Taking the Long Way
When I am headed toward a destination, I want to take the quickest, most efficient route. The same is true when I plan out personal goals and my spiritual formation. God, however, usually has a different map. We get hints of why that might be from the experience of the Israelites after they left Egypt.…
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Our Priestly Blessing

Our Priestly Blessing
The Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-25 The Aaronic blessing was given by God to be spoken over His people as a community. The priests would confer this…
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The Lord give you peace

The Lord give you peace
The Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-25 Peace is the embodiment and fulfillment of all the prior portions of the blessing. When He gives us favor, when He…
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The Lord lift up His Countenance upon you

The Lord lift up His Countenance upon you
The Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-25 This strange but poetic phrase, “lift up His countenance,” has several suggestions towards what it may mean. Indeed, it has also…
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