A description of the course that explains what you will learn and how it will help you grow closer to Jesus
4 lessons
4 lessons
4 lessons
God gladly gives us his peace
In 1979, Dr. Gabriel Barkay of Tel Aviv University led an archaeological excavation in Ketef Hinnom, a site southwest of the Old City of Jerusalem. Their excavations revealed a remarkable discovery: two silver scrolls dated to the early 6th century BC—when Solomon's Temple was in use! These scrolls contained the text of Numbers 6:24-25 and represent the oldest known text from the Old Testament.
Notice how God's name is dramatically repeated in each line of the blessing. This repetition of his own name assures us that God is personally invested in our welfare.
Within each line, God communicates his favor towards us, then backs it up with action:
Imagine a benevolent king, seated high up on a majestic throne, and surrounded by powerful soldiers. As you humbly kneel before him, he smiles at you, reaches out an open arm, and promises to meet your every need.
But then he gets off the throne, sits beside you, says you can share his name, and are entitled to enjoy all the protection, provision, and prerogatives of his family!
This priestly blessing finds its fulfillment in the arrival of Jesus. When the angels arrive to announce the birth of Jesus, what blessing do they offer? "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors" (Luke 2:14)!
The first coming of Jesus revealed God's favor to everyone who trusted in him. The second coming of Jesus will reveal God's eternal favor to his people.
God gladly gives us his peace! But to receive God's blessing, we must know Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Numbers 6:22-27
The LORD spoke to Moses: "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. You should say to them, "May the LORD bless you and protect you; may the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD look with favor on you and give you peace."' In this way they will pronounce my name over the Israelites, and I will bless them."
When you think of God, what images come to mind?
What must we do to receive God's blessing of peace?
Who do you know who needs a blessing? How could you provide for their needs this week?
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