The Lord bless you and keep you. Numbers 6:24 

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Talking with friends and acquaintances lately, there is lots of discussion about health and family issues along with concern about the state of the world and our country. We might just dwell on the problems, and probably make ourselves all feel worse as we just think about what’s wrong in our lives. We may feel helpless to deal with things. Often we forget that we are not alone in this world. God has promised to be with us just as He has been in the past.

At the end of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus leaves His disciples – “alone” as they perceive it. Here they are, without His presence with them. Yet they are not left alone anymore than we are. Jesus tells us that He will always be with us, forever, eternally. Just before this he instructs the disciples to go out and make disciples, and baptize all nations, in the name of the Triune God. Then the reassurance that they will not be alone in this take, Jesus will still be with them, the Holy Spirit will be given to them also.  

In Numbers, after a lot of rules in chapter six about being a Nazirite, God tells Moses that he is to tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with a specific blessing. This includes the verse we have today – that the Lord bless us and keep us. This is more than words, it is God’s promise and statement that we are not alone in this created world. We are known and blessed by our Creator.

Aaronic Blessing: Numbers 6:24-26

The LORD bless you, and keep you;

The LORD make His face shine on you,
        And be gracious to you;

The LORD lift up His countenance on you,
        And give you peace.’

Eternal God, in your steadfastness, we find refuge. Amidst life’s storms, anchor us in your unwavering love. Grant us strength to trust in your promises, knowing you are faithful forever. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party