Enjoying the sunrise this morning and contemplating the birds who get up before the sunrises. "Good Morning God!" is their song. We have the windows open because the A/C went out. As I watch the sunrise and praying for family, work friends and ministry partners this blessing came to me. "The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 6:26 NKJV)"
Yesterday at SALT and LIGHT we reviewed John 14 where Jesus speaks truth and invites questions. It brought me to ASK and you will receive, SEEK and you will find, KNOCK and the door will be opened.
- Psalm 4:6 - There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
God has a countenance but so do we, sometimes our countenance can be diagnosed by our attitude toward God.
- Psalm 10:4 - The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.
- Psalm 11:7- For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.
Enjoying the grace of God received as I walk by faith. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments (Psalm 119:45, Matthew 6:9-13) now I'm seeing "how" God shows his grace to us and what it means to live with grace upon grace, sufficient grace for everything we need. The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, is getting back to God see me, let me see you...
- Grace is often defined as the unmerited favor of God. I've often thought of Grace and Mercy being two sides of the same coin. Grace the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings. Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
- Numbers 6:26 NLT reads "May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." Grace = Show you his favor, Mercy = give you his peace.
It's fun to read different versions of the Bible and receive a new facet.
What does God's countenance mean?
In Judaism and Christianity, the concept is the manifestation of God rather than a remote immanence or delegation of an angel, even though a mortal would not be able to gaze directly upon him. "Countenance" can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a person's facial expression or the face itself, often indicating mood or character. As a verb, it means to tolerate, approve, or support something.
Years ago I learned that when Moses asked to see God's glory, he said I will let my goodness pass before you - mercy and compassion.
Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting.
One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”
The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”
Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”
The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”
Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.”
The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. Ex 33:11-19
We often have drown in sorrow, but a meeting with friend transforms our heart and attitude.
- Proverbs 15:13 (NKJV): A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
- Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
We should see the repetition in Psalm 42-43 as a prescription when our friend is away: Hope in God, praise Him For the help of His countenance!
- Psalm 42:5 - Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.
- Psalm 42:11 - Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
- Psalm 43:5 - Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. (Matthew 5:3)
- Psalm 44:3 - For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.
- Psalm 80:16 - It is burned with fire, it is cut down; They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.
- Psalm 89:15 - Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.
- Psalm 90:8 - You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.
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