Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
“Hide not thy face from me, lest I be like them that go down to the pit.”
David, in Psalm 143:7
There is a famous blessing God gave to Moses for Israel’s high priest, with the command that the high priest should pass it on to Israel, God’s chosen people. Jews all over the world still quote this blessing and cling to it for hope in a world that hates them. From Numbers 6:22-27:
“And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise you shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, ‘The Lord bless you, and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.’ And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”
The difference between blessing and cursing is simply that God does not hide His face from those who walk uprightly. God watches over the righteous and hears their prayer. The blessed have the countenance of God constantly shining upon them, and one day, they will see that shining countenance for themselves. “Blessed are the peacemakers”, said Jesus, “for they shall see God.”