BROADCASTS.com

The Priestly blessing consists of three blessings, representing God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. What is the purpose of a three-part blessing?

The three blessings are quite different from each other. But together, they not only represent the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, they provide a \u2018complete\u2019 blessing. By this I mean all three together are everything we need and there is no additional blessing needed in our lives.

So we have looked at two of the blessings and today we will learn about the third one.

Two Scripture readings today as we begin.

First, from Numbers 6:26:

\u201cThe Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.\u201d

Second, from Philippians 4:4-7

\u201cRejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.\u201d

The third part of this blessing is God\u2019s peace, a gift that comes primarily through the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote, \u201cAnd the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.\u201d (Phil 4:7)

Mixed in this verse is the word guard and the promise of peace which comes by keeping us focussed on Christ. This is the Holy Spirit\u2019s work. The Holy Spirit keeps us resting in Christ, enabling us to believe and to know with certainty that Jesus has paid for our sins. The Holy Spirit assures us that our Lord will take care of us, no matter what. The Holy Spirit guides our hearts and minds.

All of this gives us peace. It doesn\u2019t matter what is going on in our lives right now or in the future \u2014 good, or not so good \u2014 we have this amazing peace of God which transcends understanding.

What a tremendous gift it is to be able to have peace when the future \u2014 humanly speaking \u2014 is uncertain, and when you face uncertainty. Because of the Father\u2019s care and because Jesus has secured us in the grace of God, we may live in peace.

This final blessing is intended to complete us. God\u2019s blessings empower us to be a blessing to others \u2014 to make an impact. Once again, it is a gift for life that we use to bring life into other people\u2019s hearts.

Knowing this, who do you need to pray God\u2019s blessings for today?

Key Thought: The Lord will lift up His wholeness of being and look upon you, and He will set in place all you need to be whole and complete.

\xa0