The Lord Bless You
Passage: Numbers 6: 22 - 27
QUICK LINKS: Quick Recap Personal Reflection Small Group Study Watch the Sermon
QUICK RECAP
Blessing. It's a word we throw around a lot in church, right? But what if it's more than just a nice sentiment? What if it's actually a powerful, life-altering force?
Let's start in Numbers 6 - The “Aaronic” blessing. "May the Lord bless you and keep you...". Here's the thing: in Hebrew, it's not a suggestion. It's a command. Like when God said, "Let there be light." It's that powerful.
Now, fast forward to the New Testament. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us we're all priests now. All of us. Which means we all have the authority to speak blessing.
But what exactly is blessing? It's not about prosperity or getting more “stuff”. It's about shalom - wholeness in every area of life. It's God's life-giving power flowing through us to others.
Here's the challenge: We can't give what we haven't received. So we need to receive God's blessing first, then pass it on. It's a rhythm, like inhaling and exhaling.
Remember, in a world full of curses, we get to be people who speak life. That's a pretty amazing calling, isn't it?
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Here are some questions about blessing for you to ponder.
How are you experiencing God's blessing in your life right now? If you don’t feel God’s blessing, why might that be?
We are blessed to be a blessing. So. where in your world - your relationships, your work, your neighbourhood - could you speak or offer blessing to others?
What might it look like if God’s blessing fell on Gibsons, Roberts Creek or the whole Sunshine Coast? What might change? How could you be involved?
SMALL GROUP STUDY
Opening Prayer:
Lord, open our hearts to understand the power of your blessing. Help us to receive it fully and pass it on generously. Amen.
Read Together:
Introduction (5 minutes):
Blessing. It's a word we use a lot in church, right? But what if it's more than just a nice sentiment? What if it's actually a powerful, life-altering force that God wants us to both receive and give?
Discussion Questions (30-40 minutes):
What comes to mind when you hear the word "blessing"? How has your understanding of blessing changed after hearing this teaching?
The sermon suggests that blessing is "speaking God's words that reflect His heart over His people." How is this different from how you've thought about blessing before?
Read Numbers 6:22-27 again. What stands out to you about the language used in this blessing?
The sermon emphasizes that all believers are now priests who can bless others (1 Peter 2:9). How does this idea challenge or encourage you?
How have you experienced God's blessing in your life recently? Share a specific example.
What might it look like for you to be a "conduit of blessing" in your daily life - at home, work, or in your community?
The sermon mentions that blessing is about shalom - total wholeness. In what area of your life do you most need this kind of wholeness right now?
Application (10 minutes):
Take a moment to write down the names of three people in your life who could use a blessing. Next to each name, jot down a specific way you could speak or act to bless them this week.Group Prayer (10 minutes):
In pairs or small groups, practice speaking the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) over each other. Remember, you're not just wishing well, but declaring God's intention with authority.
Closing Thought:
Remember, we can't give what we haven't received. This week, intentionally receive God's blessing each day, and then look for opportunities to pass it on. In a world full of curses, we get to be people who speak life. That's a pretty amazing calling, isn't it?
For Further Reflection:
Throughout the week, meditate on Isaiah 55:10-11. How does this passage deepen your understanding of the power of God's words of blessing?
