How a Blessing Imprints on Us

There’s an interesting moment in Israel’s history when Yahweh teaches leaders how to give a blessing. Think about that - they didn’t know how to give a blessing, so God instructed them (a lot like Mary and Brenna teaching us last Sunday).

And notice, too, the idea that the blessing will stick to the people. It’s how the leaders gets God’s name to imprint on them. And what God means by ‘name’ is the common Old Testament idea of God’s character and goodness and favor. So it’s like stamping them with permanent ink or a tattoo or something that sticks with them, reminding them who they are and that they are loved and are chosen and are special.

It’s really a beautiful picture.

So read over this blessing and think some about how you might impart a blessing to others this day.

The Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his children, ‘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 on 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