Numbers 6:24-26 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.
The face of God signifies the favour of God. The Aaronic Blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 is still used in Judaism and in the mainline churches as a benediction. The essence of the blessing is to endow the congregation with God’s divine favour. When the Lord is our Keeper/Protector, no harm shall befall us. When the Lord makes His face shine upon us, we are engulfed with divine favour, benevolence and goodwill. Grace and glory will shine through our lives when His face shines on us. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame (Psalm 34:5). When God’s gracious face shines on us we will gleam with His glory, grandeur and elegance. There will be a godly beauty that will radiate through us. When the Lord lifts His countenance towards us, we will receive a peace that surpasses all understanding. Hence it is crucial to sit at His feet and gaze into His holiness to receive grace every morning. The face of God saturates us with the favour and peace of God.
Neurobiologists have confirmed that the ‘joy centre of the brain’ of a child is activated by the countenance of the caregiver. Children have brain circuitry to ensure attachment to their caregivers. Even infants and newborn babies respond to the countenance and facial expressions of their caregivers. Loving words of acceptance and affection activates the joy centre of the infant, but loud, harsh and angry words will cause stress and trauma to the child. Likewise, the joy centre of our brain is activated when we seek His face early in the morning. We are clothed with ‘the favour of God’ as His beautiful face shines on us.
The Face of God:
1. Fondness: The face of God instills His fondness, affection and compassion on us. Once we see His face, we will not seek the favour of man. We will be overwhelmed with joy. God’s compassionate face imparts confidence and courage into our heart.
2. Forgiveness: The face of God imparts the joy of forgiveness. Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved! (Psalm 80:7). Children look into the face of their parents to receive approval for their remorse. Until they see the smile back on their parent’s face, they would struggle to forgive themselves. Those who are unable to forgive themselves but wallow in a guilty conscience would have grown up with smirch and shame. God’s glorious face imparts the assurance of forgiveness.
3. Favour: The face of God shining upon us, showers us with unmerited favour. Doors of opportunities will automatically open, unexpected rewards unfurl, and unbelievable miracles unfold when His holy face shines on us.
The face of God infuses the favour of God over our life.
Psalms 27:8 You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
Prayer: Glorious Father, shine your glorious gracious face every morning. I will seek your face to receive divine favour. Amen
Leave a Reply