Portions of Exodus-Leviticus-Numbers-Deuteronomy
Day 52 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on guilt offerings as sacrifices (building on my post yesterday on sins of commission and omission) as well as other special offerings and rituals (such as oil for the lamps and bread on the Sabbath).
At the end of my reading today, God instructs Moses to have Aaron and his sons bless the Israelites with the above verses.
From a cursory search it appears (inconclusive) that this benediction is the first recorded in the Bible - see also other thoughts on this from these links:
Why Have a Benediction? (Redeemer Church Travers City MI)
The Purpose of the Benediction (Trinity Park Church, RDU NC)
28 Ways to Conclude Your Sermon: A List of NT Doxologies and Benedictions (Christianity.com)
Most useful however from my initial search is from the Gospel Coalition: 5 Reasons to Recover Benedictions at Church.
My Prayer: Lord, I am grateful that You have done and continue to do all of what You instructed Moses to have Aaron do for the Israelites - thank You Jesus! I am blessed, etc. Yet just as the Israelites were, I am undeserving of Your rich mercies. I sin...I am too often and too easily distracted by the world. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
”The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Day 52 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on guilt offerings as sacrifices (building on my post yesterday on sins of commission and omission) as well as other special offerings and rituals (such as oil for the lamps and bread on the Sabbath).
At the end of my reading today, God instructs Moses to have Aaron and his sons bless the Israelites with the above verses.
From a cursory search it appears (inconclusive) that this benediction is the first recorded in the Bible - see also other thoughts on this from these links:
Why Have a Benediction? (Redeemer Church Travers City MI)
The Purpose of the Benediction (Trinity Park Church, RDU NC)
28 Ways to Conclude Your Sermon: A List of NT Doxologies and Benedictions (Christianity.com)
Most useful however from my initial search is from the Gospel Coalition: 5 Reasons to Recover Benedictions at Church.
My Prayer: Lord, I am grateful that You have done and continue to do all of what You instructed Moses to have Aaron do for the Israelites - thank You Jesus! I am blessed, etc. Yet just as the Israelites were, I am undeserving of Your rich mercies. I sin...I am too often and too easily distracted by the world. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
