“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 on 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.”” (Numbers 6:22-27)
It was the Lord’s idea to establish a tradition among His people reminding them of His shining face. All through the Psalms there is the phrase, “make your face shine on us.” What is a shining face but an expression of cheerfulness, joyful acceptance and fellowship. “They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.” Jesus answered, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.”” (Luke 5:33-35) The disciples celebrated the victories, freedom, deliverance and well-being Yeshua brought to the multitudes through preaching good news, healing, delivering and blessing all who came to Him. He caught up the little children in His arms. There is perhaps no more common experience among adults, especially parents and grandparents of the joy that children bring. Can there be any question that the Lord’s face was smiling upon the little children that came to Him. (Mark 10:13-16)
Yeshua was scorned by the Pharisee’s who accused Him. “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’” (Luke 7:34) How could there be no celebration, joy and rejoicing as leapers, the blind, lame, impaired and infirmed were healed and set free by Yeshua. How could He not have a smiling face shining on those whom He so greatly blessed. (Luke 13:15-17) It is not an argument or debate, but a reminder that Yeshua came to reveal in human form the heart and character of Father God – Love and compassion. God’s wants His people to seek His face and experience the radiant light in His face. Most people will agree that Yeshua surely smiled and rejoiced with those whom He set free from bondage, infirmity, and disease. In fact, there is an implicit message in the Gospel that God loves and is pleased with His Children. Can you imagine God’s smile as He draws all people to Himself. (John 12:32)
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