The Face of God: Unpacking the Meaning behind the Aaronic Blessing

In our journey of faith, some moments leave an indelible mark on us, forever shaping our perspective and understanding. One such moment for my wife, Beth, and I occurred during our time serving in Christian ministry in the Middle East. We were exploring a part of the country with our team, delving into the ancient history and roots of Christianity.

Amidst the caves adorned with mosaics and paintings, we discovered a hidden underground cathedral. In this sacred space, surrounded by our international team from twelve different countries, we experienced a profound moment of worship. The sounds of our voices echoed through the cavern, creating an eerie yet awe-inspiring ambiance. As we passed a loaf of bread and a chalice of wine, the darkness illuminated only by a single beam of light, we felt the presence of the divine in our midst. It was a holy moment that still resonates with us to this day.

Reflecting on that experience and countless others like it during our time overseas, we came to realize the deep roots of our faith. Our ancient faith informs our approach to psychology, not the other way around. One particular blessing from Numbers chapter 6, known and chanted in many languages, captured our attention. This blessing, bestowed by Aaron and Moses upon the Israelites, holds a profound richness that often goes unnoticed.

"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."

This familiar blessing carries within it a depth of meaning that we want to explore further. Over the years, as we delved into the significance of this blessing, we discovered its transformative impact on our lives. The Lord's face, a powerful symbol of His presence and love, holds the key to understanding our human experience.

Modern science shows us that from infancy, we instinctively seek faces. Their interactions with faces influence a child's brain development, and the absence of this connection can hinder growth. In the same way, we all long to be seen, acknowledged, and valued. When someone's face is turned towards us, we experience a profound sense of worth and belonging.

God, in His infinite wisdom, offers us His face. In this blessing, He not only bestows His love and presence upon us but also covers us with His value and worth. We find rest and security knowing that we are well-seen by our Creator. Just as infants search for faces to understand themselves, we are wired to seek God's face, to find ourselves within the context of His overwhelming love for us.

At ReStory Counseling, we recognize the impact of this primal need for connection and understanding. Our work involves unpacking the areas where this connection has been lacking or distorted. By exploring the absence or rejection of a face, we can begin to heal and discover the fullness of our identities as beloved children of God.

In the upcoming weeks, we will continue to delve deeper into the Aaronic blessing, focusing on the phrase "the Lord bless you and keep you." We invite you to join us on this journey of exploration, as we uncover the profound truths embedded within this ancient blessing.

May you experience the power of God's face in your life, and may His presence surround you with peace and love.

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