“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
A traditional phrase that is used among captains and sailors is to wish for “fair winds and following seas.” This is a nautical blessing of sorts, and is often stated as a gesture of good luck at the beginning of a sea voyage. When the winds are high and pushing against a vessel, it stirs up waves which can make the journey slow and difficult. But when a vessel has following seas, the waves and current are smooth, generally going in the same direction as the boat. It’s much less challenging!
In Scripture, we find that God makes many statements of blessing upon His people. These are called benedictions, and they are more than just common sayings of good luck. God’s blessings are given to us as believers to bring us peace, security, and assurance as we travel through this life on our voyage to our heavenly home.
Words like the Numbers 6 blessing arise out of God’s desire to smile upon us. The greatest expression of this desire is found in how He sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sins so that we may have peace with Him.
In Scripture, we find that God makes many statements of blessing upon His people. These are called benedictions, and they are more than just common sayings of good luck. God’s blessings are given to us as believers to bring us peace, security, and assurance as we travel through this life on our voyage to our heavenly home.
Words like the Numbers 6 blessing arise out of God’s desire to smile upon us. The greatest expression of this desire is found in how He sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sins so that we may have peace with Him.
Scripture Focus
Numbers 6:22-27
Insight
Benedictions are not mere good-luck wishes. They are statements of truth about what God Has done for us and will always do for us.
Bible In A Year
- 1 Chronicles 22-23
- Psalm 4
- Matthew 5
