And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. 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."'   (Numbers 6:22-27)
 
In the midst of stern commandments and restrictions is recorded this well known benediction.  Similar sentiments are also expressed in apostolic literature.  (II Corinthians 12:13)  It is an expression of what God really wants for his people.
 
The LORD bless you and keep you.  The Lord is the keeper of Israel.  He promises to provide and preserve.  It is by this same care that our world is sustained.  (Acts 14:15-17)  God graciously supplies all that man needs both physically and spiritually.  Among God’s people there should be the security (Matthew 6:33) that God will meet every need to those who seek Him first.
 
The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you.  God’s shining countenance is the assurance of pardon and salvation!  Just as a child feels the difference between the shining or darkened face of a mother, the Christian pleads for God’s approval.  God wishes to heap His favors upon us.
 
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.  This third clause seems to repeat the second, but in a stronger form.  To lift the eyes upon anyone is to gaze with a keen interest.  God furnishes his children with all of the tools necessary for continued fellowship. He will guide and shelter any who will submit to his discipline.  The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
 
God’s mercies are everlasting to everlasting.  If we are at peace with Him in hearty and diligent obedience, nothing else matters.
 
By George Slover

Our livestock also shall go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind. For we must take some of them to serve the LORD our God, and even we do not know with what we must serve the LORD until we arrive there." (Exodus 10:26) During the time when God sent ten plagues upon Egypt, Moses made numerous requests of Pharaoh to allow Israel to go into the wilderness to worship God. Each of Pharaoh’s replies always included a compromise.  After the ninth plague Pharaoh calls for Moses:  "Go, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be kept back. Let your little ones also go with you." (Exodus 10:24) Moses’ reply was unambiguous: “the entire nation, with its flock and her herds will depart into the wilderness to worship Jehovah.”  Moses was not inclined to restrain from God's wishes: "You must also give us sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. "Our livestock also shall go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind. (Exodus 10:25-26) Does it not seem strange that Pharaoh wants to counsel Moses?  Which of these two truly has a grasp of God's will?  Pharaoh tried several times to persuade Moses to compromise, but failed.  Perhaps this last request, “leave your cattle behind”, was the craftiest, for it might seem more palatable to Moses. Pharaoh’s display of jealousy and rage is often how ungodly men react when the godly take a stand.  Moses wisely refuses Pharaoh’s counsel.  Godly living cannot be guided by the compromises of the world. It is wise to suspect and carefully examine any advice given by men.  It is never right to give up even what may seem to be the smallest of God's commandments. God wants a full surrender of our heart and life to his will.  Worldly pleasures, possessions, and friendships must be sacrificed for God’s cause.  All we own – our possessions and our lives belong to him.  For God it must be all or nothing! By George Slover

the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—" (1 John 1:2)

The introduction to John’s first letter stirs the imagination.  The potential and the possibilities of God living in the flesh and living among men thrills the soul.  John, in simple language, sets before his readers this profound truth.

A key word in this context is “life”. (vs. 1,2)  The focus of the letter and of John’s ministry is the “word of life”.  (vs. 1)  The gospel is personified.  It is more than mere commands.  It is about a person!  That person is Jesus and he is God in the flesh!  (John 1:14).

John says the “Word of Life” was from the beginning.  God has no beginning and no end.  He was before all creation; indeed he is the Creator of all things!  
(John 1:3)  The “Word of Life” existed intimately with the Father before time began.  He is timeless in existence.

However, this “life was manifested” i.e. he entered the realm of time in human form.  He moved from the realm of the invisible to the visible.  The life was manifested through the earthly ministry of Jesus, and gloriously exhibited by his death and resurrection.  It is difficult for the finite mind to conceive of such a thing!  Yet, to entertain the possibilities engenders hope!

To add to the excitement John makes a bold claim.  We saw him.  We gazed upon him.  We touched him!  They beheld his glory (John 1:14), heard his voice, and witnessed his mighty works as he stilled the sea and raised the dead.  They saw him die on a cross.  They touched his body of flesh and bones after his resurrection.  (Luke 24:39)  It was more than a quick glance.  It was a steadfast gaze in which John tried to fully discover this mystery.   He is qualified to testify of this marvelous life.

John does not keep this marvelous story to himself.  He makes a declaration so that others can enjoy the same fellowship and joy.  No other relationship can compare with the communion of man with God.  This fellowship involves enjoying the compassion, strength, and sympathy of a heavenly Father.  It means God has forgiven the sinner!  The contemplation of such possibility brings joy!

We owe a debt of gratitude to the apostles who took great pains and gave their lives to make their testimony known to the world that we might believe and have life in God.

By George Slover