The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Yesterday was my mom’s birthday. If you know Lynn, you know an incredible woman who makes this world better. If you know her well, she has made you better. Being in her orbit is a gift because her love and grace rub off on you. And her humility too. I am who I am today because of her in so many ways.

Her faith goes before her and shapes everything she does and all the ways that she responds. She is not perfect, of course, but she is closer than most people I know. Not because of her, but because of Jesus at work in her. I am blessed to have her as my mom. 

When I was younger it was easy to see those blessings. Before people knew who I was I was already received warmly because of my mom and dad. People already had a positive impression of me because I was Lynn and Bob’s kid. Their love, grace, and beneficent ways were already attached to me. I hadn’t done anything yet. And, on those times when I was a knucklehead, I still got the benefit of the doubt because of my parents. Not in some nefarious, greasing of the wheels to help me skate through. No, I was lucky enough that people knew my parents and knew that I came from good stock.

I was known, even though I wasn’t yet known.

The impact of this reality for me was two fold. First, I was blessed. I felt the very real impact of my parent’s lives on my life. I saw what it meant to be good will agents in the community. I saw the value of caring for others in a genuine and authentic way. I witnessed how caring for others, seeing people with dignity, and supporting others selflessly has exponential power for good. It was amazing to witness and experience.

Second, it invited me into similar behaviors. I wanted to be like my mom and dad. I regularly talk with the folks cleaning the floors in the hospital because my mom always made a point of honoring these hard workers everywhere we went. At a young age I began to embody what I witnessed. I lived what was exhibited before my eyes. I wanted to be like them.

My parents went before me. And they invited me to follow in their steps. 

Aaron’s blessing is today’s scripture. It is likely familiar to you—used at the conclusion of most worship services. These words were given to Mose and Aaron as the Israelites were wandering through the wilderness and learning what it means to be the people of God. 

Like my parents did for me, this blessing is a declaration that the Lord is with you. His presence is ahead of you leading the way. His protection surrounds you. His provision is for you. This blessing is about the power of God coming to those who hear this word. It has favor and protection, direction and God’s unmerited gift. In these words we are told that the Lord looks upon you with His light and makes you whole, complete, and full. These words have power. 

Three times the name of the Lord is written in the original Hebrew language. What is translated in your Bible as LORD is the name that Moses was given at the burning bush. “I am who I am…” This name of the Lord is so holy and sacred that the Israelites would not even pronounce the name. Our fallen human lips are too profane to speak such beauty. Today, many Jewish websites, when writing about the LORD write it as “G-d” as a way to honor this tradition and understanding. 

In short, the name of the LORD was never spoken. Except for during this blessing. The priest in the temple, as worship was concluded, would speak these words of blessing over the people. In so doing, there is a powerful understanding that the very name of God—with all His power, grace, blessing, and goodness—is laid upon the shoulder’s of those who hear. God’s presence is placed upon you as these words are declared.

In other words, as we receive these blessing words, we are receiving the very presence of God upon our shoulders. You do not go out into this world as orphans. You are not abandoned. You are not powerless. The power and presence of God rest upon you and lives within you. Let me say that again…

The power and presence of the God of the universe goes with you—He rests upon you—as you go into this world. This is what it means to be blessed. This is what it means to receive the benediction. It means you go into your week ahead with the powerful name of God within you.

How does your mindset change knowing that the God of the universe is with you in a real way as you face your giants?