The Lord Bless You and Keep You…

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, thus you shall bless the Israelites: you shall say to them, 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.” So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them. --Numbers 6:22-27

At the end of a long discussion about laws regarding a number of matters, God tells Moses to teach Aaron and his sons, the priests of Israel, to bless his people. Since then, this heartfelt and beautiful benediction has been used widely in Jewish and Christian communities, at worship, at family meals, on momentous occasions and at parting. Its usage has also indicated and cemented the role of priests and pastors as ones who speak words of blessing to God’s people. This is a benediction that I have used during worship, especially when I have preached on texts from the Old Testament. I have also used this blessing at the end of pastoral visits, along with anointing with oil, especially in times of illness or struggle. For me it has always felt like the heart of what it meant to be a pastor: to proclaim the Word of God and the love of God even as I commit his people to his care and keeping and call to mind who God has created them to be. 

This is exactly what this benediction articulates. Biblical scholars indicate that the shining of the Lord’s face is a sign of protection and the lifting up of God’s face is a sign of favor. Peace, or Shalom in Hebrew means not only or even necessarily an absence of conflict but well-being and flourishing and wholeness. It is a benediction that is as lovely as it is audacious and radical. It invokes God’s name and asks God to provide God’s very best: the protection, favor and shalom that speak deeply to what it means to be image-bearers of the living God. It is also a benediction with a promise as God states that with it, the priests of Israel put God’s name on his people and God will indeed bless them. 

It also speaks to the heart of ministry. In seminary, we asked what our role is, in a world where there are (thankfully) doctors, therapists, social workers and so many others who can help, often in more practical ways, when things go wrong, what is it that pastors are called to do? What makes our vocation unique? I think this blessing which God instructs Moses to teach to Aaron and his sons shows exactly what that is: it is to proclaim the Word of the Lord, to put God’s name on God’s people and to speak, again and again, Jesus’ declaration of the time of God’s favor and God’s shalom and to live it out, in our ministry and our lives. 

So that is what I offer, Beloved, at the end of our time together. The same blessing that I have offered many times while I have been among you. The blessing for the Lord’s protection, the Lord’s favor and the Lord’s shalom. As did the priests of Israel, I have the privilege of invoking the Lord’s name over you and committing you to his care. May you experience his love, his protection and his care. May your way be blessed and fruitful. May you hear the Shepherd’s voice and respond to his call. May the Lord of the universe be the Lover of your soul! 

Love and blessings, 

Pastor Julia