Numbers 6:22–27 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.” ’ “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

This passage contains is known as the Aaronic (or Priestly) Blessing. It is the one I used at the conclusion of the vast majority of worship services I led during my ministry. I have always loved hearing and speaking those words. But I would usually say the last phrase from another translation of Scripture: “The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.” To lift up your countenance was a Hebrew expression for looking favorably on someone, and it can also be understood that you would see a smile on that person’s face.

I know there were times my children saw anger and disappointment in my eyes when they did something wrong. Hopefully they knew the love was still there, too. I say that because I know my sin grieves God. When I catch myself in a sin, I imagine the disappointment on my heavenly Father’s face. That leads me to sorrow and repentance. But I know He still loves me. That love is what brought Jesus down here to be the Savior of all people. That love assures me of forgiveness for Jesus’ sake. That love embraces and sustains me every day.

You and I have God’s favor, God smiling at us, because of the grace He has shown in saving us. We deserve nothing but wrath from God because of our sin and disobedience. But He sent Jesus to stand in the way of that wrath. He took the full impact of God’s anger over sin for us and gives us His perfection as a covering. When we stand before God with faith in Jesus, we will see His shining face smiling at us.

Big Daddy Weave is a band that has put out some awesome songs of faith. One that I really like is called “Yours Will Be (The Only Name).” I’ve already told my family I want this sung at my memorial service. Here are some of the lyrics.

Yours will be The only name that matters to me
The only one whose favor I seek
The only name that matters to me

Yours will be The friendship and affection I need
To feel my father smiling on me
The only name that matters to me

And yours is the name, the name that has saved me
Mercy and grace, the power that forgave me
And your love is all I’ve ever needed

Because of my faith in Jesus, the certainty of forgiveness and life is mine. I feel my Father smiling at me. I pray that you do as well.