Royston First United Methodist Church

“The Lord bless you and keep you…” – Numbers 6:24

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READING: Numbers 1-6

I have always been asked about the benediction I share at the end of our worship services. This benediction is a priestly benediction that comes from Numbers 6. In this chapter, God spoke to Moses with instructions to bless theIsraelites with this prayer.

Like many of you, I first heard these words in my youth group growing up in thechurch. Every week, we would circle up at the end of our gathering and we would cross arms and repeat the words to this benediction: “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.” Of course, we added some silliness to the ritual over the years and we could never pronounce “countenance” correctly, but there is one part that I will always remember. At the end of the benediction, we would spin around to face outward. This symbolized that we were being sent out into the world.

In the priestly benediction that Moses shared with the Israelites, God said, “[Aaron and his sons] shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them,” (v. 27). With the name of the Lord, the Israelites were blessed. How do we experience God’s blessings in our lives? How do we offer God’s blessings to others? I believe we have some amazing opportunities to offer God’s blessings right here in Royston through our mobile food pantry, Friday’s child, our involvement with Royston Elementary School, and so much more!

This Sunday, we will explore this passage more as we discuss how we offer God’s blessings. I hope you will plan to be with us. Have an amazing weekend and I look forward to being with you in worship at 8:45 and 11:00!

Grace and peace,
Matt

P.S. This Sunday, we will collect a special offering for the Housing and Homeless Council of North Georgia. I have had the opportunity to serve on this board for the last four years and have seen firsthand the incredible ministry happening to eliminate homelessness and poverty all across the state — including in our own backyard. Did you know there are 7 ministries in theFranklin, Madison, and Hart county areas that have received grant money from the Housing and Homeless Council in the last 18 months — including Royston First UMC for our Friday’s Child ministry? I hope you will consider supporting the Housing and Homeless Council with a special offering this Sunday. Blessings!