What New Testament passages echo the blessings found in Numbers 6:22? The Priestly Blessing in Numbers 6:22-27 “ ‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ ” Jesus, the High Priest, Carries the Blessing Forward Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25—Christ, our great High Priest, now pronounces and secures this same blessing for every believer. Echo 1 – Blessing and Keeping • Ephesians 1:3 – “God… has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.” • James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” • John 10:28 – “I give them eternal life… No one can snatch them out of My hand.” • 1 Peter 1:4-5 – “…an inheritance… reserved in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power…” Echo 2 – Shining Face and Grace • 2 Corinthians 4:6 – “God… made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” • John 1:16-17 – “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace… grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” • Titus 2:11 – “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone.” • Revelation 22:4 – “They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads,” a final, forever shining of His countenance. Echo 3 – Lifted Countenance and Peace • John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you…” • John 20:19-21 – “Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ ” • Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” • 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” • Hebrews 13:20-21 – “Now may the God of peace… equip you with every good thing to do His will…” Apostolic Closings That Summarize the Whole Blessing • 2 Corinthians 13:14 – “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” • Jude 1:2 – “Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” • Revelation 1:4-5 – “Grace and peace to you… from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness…” Living Under the Fulfillment Today Because Christ fulfills and voices the ancient blessing, we walk each day: • Blessed—already recipients of every spiritual benefit in Him. • Kept—securely guarded by His sovereign hand. • Enlightened—His face shines on us, guiding and warming our hearts. • Graced—continually supplied with unearned favor. • At Peace—reconciled to God and resting in a peace the world cannot give or take away. |
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