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

There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)

Much of Jesus’ ministry was near the sea of Galilee.  Luke tells us that Jesus was near the city of Bethsaida on the east side of the sea.  A great multitude followed Jesus because of the signs he performed.

Thus, Jesus tested Philip: "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" (John 6:5)  Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little." (John 6:7) Then, Andrew adds, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)  Does Andrew see some potential here or is he thinking the situation is hopeless?   

The Barley loaves were not large commercial loaves of bread.  They would be just enough to make a fish “sandwich”.  The fishes were salted and dried, and used for relish.   It was common food for a common little boy.  The food may have been for his lunch.  However, Jesus does something spectacular with this small amount.

How many times have we contemplated our own inadequacy?  Who are we among so many?  The world seems so intimidating, and we are so small.  What can we do? 

There are many tools God places at our disposal to contribute to our spiritual success.  The most useful one is a book that seems so common and ordinary. That book is the Bible. Its message has radically changed lives for more than 2000 years.   

This great faith building book is at your disposal right now.  The same message that influenced an Ethiopian, a Jewish zealot, and a jailer can also give you joy and hope.  Study it, practice, preach it,  and you will be blessed!

By George Slover