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 

So Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, "All the words which the LORD has said we will do." (Exodus 24:3)

All the way to Sinai the people witnessed the power of Jehovah.  At Sinai His glory was manifested, and His will declared to the people.  The formal ratification of the covenant was one of the most momentous events in the history of Israel.

Such times of emotional excitement will prompt some to make a promise that they will not keep.  On this occasion, the people had little knowledge of their own hearts or of the demands of God.  Such impulses are especially common among new converts who are quickly baptized, but fail to fully understand the gospel’s life-long commitment.

There are reasons why people are moved to make such rash promises.  The well-rounded life promoted by God’s word is enticing.  The laws of God are given for man’s best interest.  The gospel will produce a fruitful life of holiness.  (Romans 6:22)  It offers stability and peace for those who submit to it.  This is attractive!

Furthermore, God is the author of our existence and preserver of our life.  He bestows favors we could never repay.  The acceptance of the gospel is the difference between life and death.  Such wonderful blessings can hardly be resisted.

Finally, in the heart of every human is a sense of eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and an aspiration to do God’s will.  His spirit draws him toward God, but his flesh draws him away.  Following their inner feeling, some will readily promise to obey like Israel at Sinai.

The contrast of Israel’s pledge with their conduct is well known.  Similar promises are made to Christ, but while the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.  Hopefully, while there is still time, those who fail, will repent and cast themselves upon Christ for pardon and mercy.

George Slover
 

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"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12)

Paul commends the brethren for their past obedience and urges them to allow past victories to be an incentive to continue.  He urges them not to work to please earthly teachers, but for the approval of the Heavenly Father.

He exhorts them to work out their salvation.  “Salvation” means safety from danger and harm.  In scripture, it means the safety of the soul from sin and eternal condemnation.  Salvation is primarily a work of God, but it requires the faith and cooperation of man.  It should be one’s chief work and concern.  One must keep walking in the light (I John 1:7), and must keep themselves in the love of God. (Jude 21)

The Lord commands his children to “strive” (Luke 13:24), to “press” (Philippians 3:13), and to “give diligence” (II Peter 1:5).  To “work out” or to carry to completion is a personal endeavor.  No other person can do this for you.  There is the need of perseverance to complete the task.

Finally, Paul says work it out with “fear and trembling”.  Fear or reverence is an essential element in holy living.  And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; (1 Peter 1:17)  One’s service to God is to be with reverence and godly fear. (Hebrews 12:28)  Hallowed be thy name must the posture of every prayer (Matthew 6:9) Too much is at stake to take this task lightly.

Our salvation is not yet accomplished.  Hopefully, it is nearer than when we first believed.  As long as sin still haunts us, temptations still attack us, and troubles still threaten us, our work is not finished.  The perfecting of our soul is a life-long process.  We must carry on what God has begun!

By George Slover

because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you," says the LORD. 
(2 Chronicles 34:27)
 
King Josiah was a great man.  He ruled the nation of Judah several hundred years before the time of Christ.  He inherited the throne at the young age of eight.  This remarkable character, at age sixteen, sought the God of his father David.  (II Chronicles 34:3)  Instead of following the footsteps of a wicked father and grandfather, he devoted himself to pleasing Jehovah God.
 
At age twenty-six Josiah commissioned his leaders to repair the temple.  In the process of this work, a copy of the book of the law of Moses was found, (II Chronicles 34:14, 18) and it was read before the king.  Josiah, when he heard these words, tore his clothes (II Chronicles 34:19) and commanded the high priest to inquire of the Lord concerning the meaning of the message.  Jehovah’s answer was a promise to destroy Judah for her wickedness, but to preserve Josiah because of his tender heart.
 
“Tenderness of heart” means to be soft, yielding, and easily touched.  The condition of King Josiah’s heart is manifested by his willingness to hear God’s word.  Josiah believes it, acknowledging it to be a message from God.  He reverently fears it as he allows it to sink into his soul.  He does not resist it or try to drown it out.  With urgency, he makes full inquiry into its import.  He diligently guides himself by its commands.  Without quibble, he calls all others to enter into a covenant with God.
 
We must not neglect the simple, faithful example of Josiah as the way to receive God’s will!  Give to God your tender heart!
 
By George Slover