June 3, Peace
The Lord turn His face towards you
and give you peace.
Numbers 6:26
I absolutely love how my wife describes peace and security (particularly from the heart of a loving mom): "when someone who loves you holds you - hands on both cheeks, and focuses your face on theirs as they say, 'I’ve got you, and I am here for you'.” This becomes an endearing illustration of one of the most significant blessings ever prayed over God’s people.
The Aaronic blessing, or priestly blessing, represents a significant prayer indeed. Aaron, the first of the Levitical Priesthood, spoke this blessing for God’s wellbeing on His people, Israel. The Lord said to Moses,
“Tell Aaron and his sons that 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 lift His countenance (face) towards you
and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:22-26
(This blessing became a consistent part of temple worship in Jerusalem, as well as in the synagogues. The early church inherited this practice from Jewish worship, and the blessing continues to be quoted in worship services today.)
Notice the last line of this blessing offered to God’s people: “The Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace.” This is a parallel interpretation, meaning that the second portion of the statement explains the significance of the first. Throughout the Scriptures, the idea of the fallen face was actually a face of anger (Genesis 4:6, the Lord said to Cain, “why are you angry, why is your face downcast?”). And the hidden face represented withholding support or favor (Psalm 44:24, “why do you hide your face and forget our affliction”). But, if God lifts His face toward His people, He is neither angry nor withholding favor, but rather He is giving peace.
I cannot consider a more excellent prayer of blessing at this very moment than that God would lift His face toward us and give us peace. In Hebrew terminology, panim (face) actually expresses “countenance” or “presence.” Therefore, the idea of “face” indicates full and complete attention. And in Christ, God has done so; He has given us His full attention by giving us His full presence of peace. Along with other powerful titles, such as wonderful counselor, Mighty God, and eternal Father, Jesus has the name, “Prince of Peace” - indicating the One who is the leader of peace and offers peace to others (Isaiah 9:6). Therefore, one can see within the Aaronic blessing a vivid foreshadowing of the Christ (God’s presence incarnate that has given us perfect peace).
This peace (shalom) cannot merely be defined by an absence of conflict, but rather an indication of prosperity, safety, completeness, and wholeness. And through faith in Jesus, this fulfillment becomes a reality. As the blessing Moses prayed portrayed the highest state of blessing that the nation of Israel would enjoy, so through Jesus this blessing is completely fulfilled for you and me.
In a practical application, the Aaronic blessing described God’s loving provision and His watchful and protective presence (His face) over His people. Jesus has fulfilled this. So today, at this very moment you can be reassured that God is for you. He loves you.
And God loves those who are hurting right now. God loves the victimized. God loves those who are so enraged that they have lost their way. God loves those who are marching at this very moment with a deep and stirring hunger for social justice. God loves those whose hearts have been polluted with hate. God does not take sides. God does not show prejudice. His love is perfect, and His justice is perfect. God's love proves the incredible value of every soul. And we will not return to peace until we return to His love.
So, this question rings supreme across this battered landscape of hate and hurt: have you responded to God’s redemptive plan in Christ? This question does not intend to remind you of a time you prayed a prayer, filled out a card, or walked an aisle. The question asks if you are truly reconciled to God’s redemptive purposes. Are you loving as God loves? Are you broken over what breaks the heart of God? Are you hurting with the hurting? Are you simply interested in a cause, or are you praying with passionate resolve that God’s redemptive mission in Christ Jesus would be fulfilled in your nation, in your city, in your family, and in your heart? For, only through Jesus can injustices be made right. Only through God's redemption can peace come. Are you praying for peace?
The Prince of Peace has come. Ask God to shine His face through Christ and give peace.
Blessings.
READ
Read Numbers 6:22-26, and form this as a prayer over your city and your nation at this very moment.
