“the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:25-26 ESV In the Book of Numbers, God delivers instruction and direction as to how His chosen people should live. Gods law is always paired with His love. The nation of Israel is reminded, “The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” When our daughters were young, they sometimes got The Look. You know what The Look is. Some people call it the Stink Eye. Its that look that says, I know what you just did. I cant believe what you just did. We are going to talk about what you just did. You better stop doing what you just did. Really? Havent I told you before not to do what you just did? They would stop in their tracks. Their countenance would change. Sometimes a tear would appear. Thats when you know youve got The Look. There is another kind of look that we hopefully gave more than The Look. Its the look you have on your face . . . . . . when you first hold them in your arms. . . . when they share a toy for the first time. . . . when they want to crawl up into your lap. . . . when they lose something or someone dear. . . . when they have fallen and they need someone to pick them up. . . . when they know they have failed but hope they are not a failure. . . . when they give up something to someone who has nothing. . . . when they need courage because discouragement has devastated them. . . . when they seem lost and dont know where to turn. . . . when they are standing at the alter and you give a hand that you tenderly held to another. . . . when they bring new life into this world. . . . when they understand the importance of a look. At those times, our faces communicate appreciation, affection, apathy, approval and amazement. God looks at use in much the same way. His eyes of compassion touch the heart of those untouchable. His look of healing soothes those in pain. His inviting smile welcomes many wayward souls. The warmth of His expression melts the hardest heart. When we spend time with Jesus, what kind of face do we see? What kind of face do we share? A Face of Grace. Its a look of acceptance. His grace has given us new life and we are accepted in love. Paul writes, Long before He laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (Eph 1:4-5 MSG) Its not because we could do anything to help ourselves . . . we were helpless and He helped us. We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus . . . (Eph 2:10 NLT) A Face of Peace. Its a look of approval. Jesus has become our Peace. Paul reminds us, But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us . . . He broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. (Eph 2:13-14 NLT) A Face of Glory. Its a look of adoration. Spending time in His presence, changes our perspective. Its reflected in our face . . . it shows. Others can see our countenance because we have been with our Creator. The author of the Book of Exodus writes, When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the LORD. (Exod 34:29 NLT) A Face of Promise. Its a look of assurance. Healing for our yesterday. Help for today. Hope for tomorrow. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. (Heb 13:5) Jerimiah writes, The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. (Lam 3:22-23 NLT) He is and will always be there. Stink eye or shining face? We are accepted . . . we have His approval . . . we are adored . . . we have a calm assurance. May we reflect His grace and His glory, His peace and His promises. Allow His face to define you.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:46:41 +0000
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