"Shalom"

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites.’” Say to them: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’” (Numbers 6:22-26 NIV).

In 1979, a silver amulet was discovered by archaeologists in a Jerusalem tomb. Inscribed on the silver foil, which dates to the seventh century B.C., were the words of this benediction of our reading today. It is the oldest known quotation from Scripture. Some have called it the great Aaronic blessing, in which it is God’s desire for his blessings to fall on those who were faithful so that they could experience peace and
wholeness in their relationship with God. It is also know as the Lord's Prayer of the Old Testament. It is also strikingly similar to the old Irish Blessing so many have known through the centuries.

For me it has become a short blessing which can be recited much like the Serenity Prayer when we need a reminder of who God is and how he acts toward us. He blesses us; he cares for us; he is gracious to us; he is present with us; and he brings peace into our lives. Each verse conveys two elements of benediction, and the verses
are progressively longer. It is a hopeful prayer. If ever there was a time when hope was necessary, today is such a time. There are five parts to the blessing:

 First, it speaks of their hope that God would “bless and keep” them. This is a way of asking God to show favor on them and protect them.
 Second, it speaks of the desire for God to “make His face shine on them.” This is a request for God to be pleased with them. It is all inclusive of actions, as well as motivations.
 Third, it speaks of a desire for God to be “gracious” to them. This is perhaps my favorite part of the blessing. We ought to ask God for His mercy and compassion. He is the only real source of either.
 Fourth, it speaks of their desire for God to “turn His face toward them.” It is a prayer asking for God’s approval.
 Fifth, it speaks of a desire for God to grant His “peace.” Jesus said he would give us peace, not like the world gives it, but like His heavenly Father. That’s peace that allows us to do more the merely endure. It allows us to overcome!

When you ask God to bless others or yourself, you should ask him to do these five things. The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, it will also bless you. The simple words of this blessing reflect God's desire for his people. He is the source all blessings, grace, and peace in life; only through a relationship with this God can we hope to experience the fullness of life described here. The blessing builds toward that final word – peace. The beautiful Hebrew word shalom used here means much more than an absence of conflict. It implies a complete sense of well-being, health, and contentment. God offers this to anyone who is willing to follow him, and especially to those whose lives have been bruised and broken. So, if you see me and my greeting to you is not “Good Morning” but “Shalom” please understand that I’m not Jewish; I merely desire for you to have all of the peace of God! Shalom!