January 13

‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; — Num 6:24 BSB

The key to understanding the words “The Lord bless you” can be found in Ephesians 1:3—“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ.” The blessings sought here are primarily spiritual. While we must not overlook the value of temporal blessings, these are “left-hand blessings,” still to be thankful for on earth, even if they are not the heavenly graces that lead us to eternal life. Health, strength, financial provision, loving family and friends, and a good reputation—these are all gifts from God for which we should be grateful. They may sustain our perishing bodies and bring comfort in this life, but they pale in comparison to spiritual blessings, which last forever.

How infinitely more valuable are the blessings that pertain to our souls! When we come to God in prayer, with faith and genuine feeling, our hearts are drawn almost entirely to ask for spiritual blessings. We find that our soul's desire is so focused on heavenly things that we scarcely leave room to ask for anything else.

Yet, notice how personal the blessing is: “The Lord bless you.” When the high priest pronounced the blessing, he didn’t single out one individual in the congregation of Israel. Still, the words were spoken in such a way that every person could receive them personally. God’s blessings are both personal and individual. Sometimes, when we hear the Word of God preached, we may feel, “That message was all for me.” Indeed, it was for you—but also for others. There is enough blessing for everyone.

There is something uniquely personal about the mercy of God when it touches the heart. It seems as though the blessing is meant only for you. This is the richness of God’s grace: one person receiving grace does not diminish the portion for others. It is not like an earthly inheritance, where each additional child takes a share from the rest. With God, there is always more than enough to go around. God is the inheritance of His people, and His infinite fullness satisfies countless angels and redeemed souls alike. There is no need for envy in the things of God, for His love and mercy are free, abundant, and inexhaustible.