Reflections from April 13, 2011

As the nation of Israel begins to settle into their routines with the tabernacle complete, the orders of the tribes in place, and the Law of God written for all to follow, God spoke to Moses with a blessing for the nation in Numbers 6:24-26,
"The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."

God has the desire to bless us in good times and bad, to always provide for us a benediction. The blessing of children by their father was a formal passage of time, usually before the father passed away, he would gather his children for their blessings. See January 28, 2011 for Israel's blessing to his twelve children. Blessings can offer refreshment to the recipient and encouragement through words of affirmation. They're easy to do, and have a lot of benefit, both the the giver as well as the receiver. We should bless someone daily, starting with our family members.

The leaders of the tribes brought their offerings on behalf of their tribe to the altar and we read in Numbers 7:10,
"Now the leaders offered the dedication offering for the altar when it was anointed; so the leaders offered their offering before the altar. For the Lord said to Moses, They shall offer their offering, one leader each day, for the dedication of the altar."

These gifts given by each of the twelve tribes of Israel was significant in that they signify their allegiance to God and their dedication to serving Him. They were an important model for Christians to follow as well in the early first century when Paul instructed the Corinthians to take collections (1 Corinthians 16:1-4) as part of a regular pattern of their worship, showing devotion to God in doing so. This continues today, that not only do we give our tithes to God for support of His church, but we give our gifts and offerings out of loving worship to enable others to benefit from His kindness. Even today, we continue with the traditions and rituals that Moses enacted by following the commandments of God, many centuries ago.

Blessings to all