May Yahweh…be gracious to you…. 

Numbers 6:25 CSV

God instructed Moses to tell Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites through one of the most beautiful benedictions in Scripture. The phrase invoking Yahweh to be gracious to them captures my heart. I’ve asked for help, protection, encouragement, mercy, wisdom, and strength, but I don’t think I’ve ever asked God for His graciousness in my life. 

Asking for God to be gracious is invoking His favor—which is a blessing so extensive it can’t be measured. God has faithfully extended His care and grace to the Israelites by bringing them out of Egypt and by providing food and water during the journey. The next great outpouring of His grace upon them will be bringing the second generation into the Promised Land after the unfaithful first generation has passed away. 

God demonstrates His gracious ways all throughout the Scriptures. He was gracious to Sarah by sending her a child. Jacob proclaimed God’s graciousness. Exodus 34:6 declares The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. God was gracious to Hannah by answering her prayer for a child. The gracious hand of God was upon Ezra and Nehemiah. Joel also tells us that God is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and abounding in love. 

Jesus Christ as well displayed graciousness. Luke records in 4:22, All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. Paul proclaims in Romans 8:32, He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Paul encourages me to prayer when he acknowledges having received the gracious favor of God in answer to the prayers of many in 2 Corinthians 1:11.

Father, thank You for using Your Word to remind me of Your graciousness to me. May I never take it for granted nor fail to request an outpouring upon those in need.  Amen

Linda Les-