His face turned towards you (1)

When we're with someone who just wants to argue or pick us apart, we lose energy. But, when meeting with our best friend, we feel better. Obvious truths really, but how much truer in the case of God? Long ago, God told Moses to give the Israelites this blessing: 'The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace' (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV). What did this blessing mean? It meant God would be with them with the incredible intimacy of a close friend. And they would receive the peace that comes from that.

Jesus said, 'I have called you friends' (John 15:15 NIV). Paul wrote: 'He adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children' (Romans 8:15-16 NLT).

We can meet with God just to be with him, not only to hear from him or feel warm feelings (though he's so good that he often gives those things too)? For centuries, meeting with him has given God's people a deep, profoundly personal, peace. Stick around for tomorrow's reading for some pointers on that.



So what now? Jesus gifted us his close relationship with his Father - more than disciples, we are called his friends. Want a clearer discovery of that love? Ask him. His face is always turned towards you.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Your face, Lord, I will seek.' Psalm 27:8 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

Ezra 6-8, Matt 28:11-20, Ps 42:6-11, Pro 19:15-17