OYB: MAR 6

Yesterday was incredibly busy and with worship and in the morning, meeting with one of the college leaders in early afternoon, and preparing the college room for a multi-sensory worship experience this week, there was no time to read deeply. Sometimes it's like that. This morning, my brain was so full of the Kierkegaard precis that's due this week, I found reading difficult, so I skimmed. While skimming, I came across what for me is one of the most important passages dealing with how it is we relate with God. I realize Numbers is an odd place to find such a verse, but it is there:

Yahweh bless you and keep you;
Yahweh make his face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
Yahweh lift up his countenance upon you
and give you peace.

There in the blessing Aaron is to place upon Israel we find the key to our relating with God. Last February I pondered "Identity Development as Facing" and this short passage in Numbers points us in that very same direction. Yahweh's blessing--which is the only true and lasting blessing--comes when he faces us. The Psalmist spoke much of the power of God's facing toward and facing away.

An important component of identity development is our reflection in the face of the other. This notion of ‘facing’ is found throughout Scripture. Four truths can be derived from a theology of facing in Psalms. First, God’s face brings good (Psalm 4:6; 22:24; 31:16; 44:3; 67:1; 80:3; 80:7; 80:19; 89:15; 119:135). A look from God’s face brings comfort, steadfast love, and deliverance. Second, when God’s face is turned away we feel forsaken (Psalm 13:1; 27:9; 30:7; 44:24; 69:17; 88:14; 102:2; 104:29; 143:7). More than that, when God turns his face utterly away, we are forsaken and all is lost. Our very existence is threatened because life itself is in him. Third, God’s face is against those who choose evil (Psalm 34:16; 80:16; 143:7). This is more than the removal of God’s pleasure. This is the presence of God’s wrath. Fourth, the righteous see God’s face and are satisfied (Psalm 11:7; 17:15; 24:6; 27:8; 34:5). In his face, we find wholeness (God’s shalom). In his face, our needs are met. [read more]

Apart from his gaze upon us--his decision to be toward us--there is no hope and no wholeness.

Numbers 6:1-7:89 ~ Mark 12:38-13:13
Psalm 49:1-20 ~ Proverbs 10:27-28
OYB Blog: Mar 6

Tag(s): one year bible

“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/