Reading: Numbers 5-6

Scripture

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

“ ‘ “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.” ’

“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27 (NIV)

Observations

There is power in a blessing. A blessing is more than just sentiment or an expression of hope that things will go well. It's more than just “Happy Birthday!” or “Best Wishes!” To speak a blessing is to command God's favour upon a person. Yes, we can bless others through our words or our deeds, but a blessing spoken in God's name and with his authority carries weight because God himself is the one who carries it out.

What a privilege, to be able to move God's hand and direct his favour! What an honour to be God's agent in this world. But who gets to carry this honour? In Old Testament days, it was the priests, whose job it was to represent God to the people, and the people to God. They were like go-betweens. So who are the priests now?

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

And speaking about Jesus: “…you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-11 (NIV)

Application

I have been given the authority and privilege to be able to speak God's blessing into the lives of others! This authority is given to me by Jesus not because of a position I hold but as one of God's “royal priesthood”.

If God has given me authority to bless others in His name, then the blessing I speak will move God's hand. Something about this feels uncomfortable, as if somehow God were my 'genie in a bottle' waiting to come out and say, “Your wish is my command.” But really, the opposite is true. It is God's wish to bless and show favour, and he has granted authority to all his children to carry out his wishes by directing where at least some of that blessing will rest.

Until now, I haven't really appreciated the power of speaking a blessing. I think it's time to start exercising my God-given authority! Lord, who shall I start with…

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for rescuing me from the dominion of darkness and bringing me into the kingdom of your Son. I have been raised up with him and seated with him in the heavenly realms. What a privilege! Lord, I want to serve you fully by fulfilling all the purposes you have for me, so help me to become an agent of blessing, and to walk tall in the authority I have been given in Jesus.

“ ‘ “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.” ’

See also Looking into the Face of God