SHINE ON US LORD
SHINE ON US LORD
The Aaronic Blessing found in Numbers 6: 24 – 26 is a very popular benediction. It is also quite power packed as far as benedictions go.
“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers 6: 24 – 26 KJV
Today I would like to encourage us with just one of the many promises in this benediction. “The Lord make his face shine upon thee.”
Whenever I hear the word “shine”, the first thing that comes to mind is light and the brightness that follows from it. But there is so much more to the word shine. In order to understand the importance of “shine”, let us take a quick look at some of the antonyms of the word. Here are just a few: darkness, obscurity, dimness, gloominess, hatred and dirtiness. This says that any and every of the above situations are possible when there is no shine. but if the shine were to be activated in any of the above, the situations would change. Sadly all the above antonyms of shine and much more are what we see all around us today.
We are not talking about any kind of shine here but the radiance that comes from Gods face. Remember when Moses came down from the mountain after an encounter with God, his face shone so bright, the Israelites were afraid. (Exodus 34 :29-30) When God’s face shines upon us, everything will change. God is light and no darkness can stand where there is light; obscurity, dimness and gloominess will all flee. Therefore “Keep your eyes on the Lord! You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame.” Psalms 34:5 Contemporary English Version. To keep our eyes on the Lord means to focus on Him and when we focus on the Lord, a whole lot of things will no longer have the power to distract us. Things that would normally cause anxiety, mood swings, anger, sadness or depression; all the things that are dark and gloomy will pale into insignificance when God’s face shines upon us. Then how do we focus on God? By spending quality time with Him; praying, praising and worshipping Him, studying and meditating on His word.`
When God’s face shines on us we will be safe and secure in His favor. “You were good to me, Lord; you protected me like a mountain fortress. But then you hid yourself from me, and I was afraid.” Psalms 30 : 7 Good News Translation In the darkness where Gods face is not shining on us there will be all kinds of things happening that will scare us and could potentially harm us.
When God’s face shines upon us, we can be certain that He will not allow the enemy to have their way with us. “My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” Psalms 31: 15 -16 NIV God will definitely rescue us from all our foes as His face shines on us.
And it keeps getting better. When God’s face shines upon us we are kept from all kinds of evil devices and plots. “You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues.” Psalms 31: 20 NLT
Finally, when God’s face shines upon us, we will see good and better things all around. We can let go of all the baggage we carry; the anger, the bitterness, the hatred even, because God is love, we cannot be in His presence and be hating on anyone. Our healing will spring forth, it will be well with us and we will not lack. “Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us.” Psalms 4: 6 NIV
Today I pray that the Lord bless us and make His face shine upon us.
OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS ©