DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Why are we Blessed?
by Elaine Pierce
One of my favorite blessings, and I'm guessing it's one of yours, too, is from Numbers 6:24-26:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. I've heard many beautiful choral arrangements of these verses. (here's one of my favorites).
As I read this short psalm, I was struck by how similar the first verse is to this well-known blessing:
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us.
But notice what comes next in verse 2. Why does God bless us?
that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
Yes, God offers us blessings upon blessings. But those blessings aren't for us to hoard. Those blessings are to be shared generously with ALL nations. In fact, look at what the psalmist says in both verses 3 and 5 (this MUST be important since it's repeated twice!)
May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.
What a terrific psalm to start off the New Year. My prayer for all of us at UALC is that we will rejoice in the many blessings that God has given us. A strong church community. Excellent pastors and teachers. Abundant resources. Opportunities for mission and service. And that we will share these blessings with others right here in Columbus, in Ohio, and around the world. Yes, he is worthy. And all the nations will call him blessed.
Happy New Year!!
PRAYER PRACTICE
Lord, you are ruler of heaven and earth. One day, all the nations will call you blessed. Thank you for the opportunity we have right here at UALC to bless others. As we begin this new year, let us not grow weary in doing good. Amen.
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