The Benediction

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. —Numbers 6:22-26

This beautiful benediction conferred upon the nation of Israel is often used today in churches, weddings, and other religious ceremonies.

Pastor Donald Grey Barnhouse would sometimes close his service with this benediction: “Now go in the peace of God the Father, and God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, if you are a believer. And if you are not a believer, may your heart remain restless, may you be miserable, unhappy, lonely, and empty, until your heart finds it’s rest in Jesus. Amen”  Some of Barnhouse’s parishioners did not appreciate his blunt honesty!

The blessing of our text is three-fold. First, the blessing of God’s PROTECTION— “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee.” Second, the blessing of God’s PLEASURE—“The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee.”  Third, the blessing of God’s PEACE— “The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

What more could you ask for when you have God’s security… smile… and serenity?