The Lord bless you and keep you

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.  Numbers 6: 24 – 26

Personally I find it very hard to imagine the Lord’s face and especially the expression on it. There is something in me that is a little bit worried that there will be a hint of disappointment, a fleeting impression of hurt, a glint of exasperation or frustration or worse still a look of irritation but as usual the truth is quite different.

I know that in reality the expression on God’s face will be one of so much love, grace and approval that we would find it hard to look at. Approving, loving glances are probably so unusual for us that we might even be embarrassed. We know what we are like and that we are not worthy to receive such love and affirmation yet that is what God gives us. He knows what we are like and yet his love and approval flow over us. His voice whispers, ‘I am so proud of you,’ and that may be something no one ever said to you before.

The Lord’s face is graciously turned towards us today and shines upon us. I like that. I love the warmth of the sun on me and God shines his love on us. We can feel its warmth with not a cloud of hurt, disappointment, exasperation, frustration or irritation in it.

As we learn to be more like Mary and sit at Jesus’ feet and look up into his face, we will feel and I mean physically feel his love for us. As his face is turned towards us, his peace washes over us.

Let this wonderful blessing be yours today.