BENEDICTION
Today’s Reading: Numbers 5-6
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in these caves in the region known as Qumran, next to the Dead Sea. The scrolls are a collection of 972 texts, consisting of Biblical manuscripts from the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament). It has been considered the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th Century. Many of the Scrolls date back to the first century and earlier. They attest to the accuracy of the Biblical text through the centuries.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Quarantine for communicable disease is an example of the care God had for His people. God gave instructions for physical blessings. Restitution for wrongs committed is an example of the social care God has for His people. God blesses His people by love and mercy, and because He cannot and will not tolerate sin, He makes provision for forgiveness through atonement. In this way He provides for restoration of relationships. “At-ONE-ment” is gained through restitution and a sacrifice for sin. Jesus provides all this for us through His life and death.
We might want to read an example of the “Nazirite vow” in Judges 13:5, the story of Sampson. Let us also consider giving someone today a benediction. The meaning of benediction is to “say a blessing.” Our key verses are magnificent words of blessing.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You promised that “When He the Spirit of Truth is come, He will guide you into all truth.” I’m reading from an English translation of Your Hebrew Bible. I have difficulty understanding all You are saying to me, Lord, so I ask for Your Holy Spirit to teach me. Thank You for speaking such a marvelous blessing over me as found in the key verses. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I was honoured to be the Pastor of a wonderful congregation in the northern city of Sudbury. I was blessed to find the great strength of love and unity among the people. This strength produced in me a confidence that God could and would do big things in Sudbury. My predecessor was the late Rev. Homer Cantelon. His ministry produced that strength I experienced. I was thinking of him as I read the Sampson story. Homer was not only strong spiritually but also physically. I was told lots of stories such as Homer picking up one end of a Volkswagen beetle. The men were suitably impressed. At one time, Homer worked in the nickle mines after returning from Europe as a WWII veteran. A miner came to our church looking for Homer to perform the marriage of his son. He reflected back on his former workmate and said, “The men would tease Homer about his faith. Homer was so strong that he could’ve beaten them easily in a fight, but he was kind to them instead.” He then said, “Homer is the only real Christian who is a minister in Sudbury.” I explained that Homer had moved away and offered my services. Against his better judgement, he agreed for me to do the marriage. Later, the whole family gave their lives to Jesus. Thank You Jesus, and thank you Homer.
Yours to help us all “say a blessing” on others,
David
Still praying for the US election results. Lord God be with the politicians and their families and all the citizens of the United States. Be with all the world, Lord, as this election affects everyone, globally. We cannot do it without You Lord God. For Christians, everywhere, who rely on Your mercy and grace and sacrifice for us, we give You all the thanks and praise for Your deliverance. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. May you be well, today, fellow saints in the Lord. His blessings upon you. Amen.
My favourite doxology is found at the end of Jude 1:24-25, NIV:
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Trust His Heart, The Booth Brothers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWhREkwI4Jc
In regards to today’s scripture, I found a somewhat good article, that is a conversation starter:
Is Numbers 5 Unfair to Women?
https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/numbers-5-unfair-to-women
That was my first thought too,Beverlee but then I realized that a woman carries a man’s baby and a man can never be entirely sure he is the father of his wife’s child.That is the only reason I can think of that justifies this test.God bless
I think as the article explains, it has to do with the culture of the times it was written.
Love the worship music, Beverley. Thanks. Blessings al on this beautiful day, here in southern Ontario.
Blessings to you as well Doreen. It is a beautiful day. We are out cutting down a tree in the backyard for firewood. Son in law and granddaughters helping. God is so good.
Amen Beverlee “Be with all the World, Lord, as this election affects everyone globally”
Amen Beverlee
God Bless
Joe Biden is the 46th President of the United States and I pray the USA will return to normal. I thank GOD for His choice as I always prayed that His will be done.
Praise the Lord!!!!!! In full agreement with you, Blessed. Amen!!!
Father God, You have been working in this world throughout history, in the times of Adam, Cain, Noah, Lot, Job, good kings, bad kings, just and unjust leaders, and You are at work in our times, too. We ask that Your will is done on Earth as it is in Heaven, in Jesus’s faithful name, amen
Amen saints!
Snow storm here in the West, beautiful fresh snow, thank you Jesus!