“Oh make my mirror heart thy shining place,/ And then my soul, awakening with the morn,/ Shall be a waking joy, eternally new-born.”- George McDonald, A Book of Strife in the Form of the Diary of an Old Soul (1880)
In Chapter 4 (“Blessing That Creates Community”) of Given, Tina Boesch talks about the Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). First, Tina states that God composed this specific blessing for the tribe of Levi to speak over the people of Israel whenever they gathered for worship.
As a child, the author observes, on Sunday mornings those words washed over her like a tidal wave. And, Tina explains, she still feels the undertow. It draws her back into the turbulence of divine shine. She writes:
“Blessing, protection, grace, peace, seeing the shining face of God and living in his favor — this is God’s blessing to those who meet with him. It expresses all that we’re meant to experience in worship and all that we’re meant to carry with us as we walk out of the sanctuary and into the world.”
In addition, this priestly blessing was integrated into Israel’s daily experience with God – not reserved for special occasions. Since God authors life, there’s life in this blessing. If, Tina stresses, we’re open to receiving it.
Furthermore, this blessing consists of three balanced phrases that encapsulate the goodness of living in the Lord’s presence. Thus, starting each phrase with Yahweh (Lord) enables us to feel the repetition of God’s most holy name. Repeating the Lord’s name emphasizes that only the Lord exists as the source of this blessing. A blessing that succinctly expresses God’s desire for those in relationship with Him.
In conclusion, Tina notes that the Aaronic Blessing concludes with this clarifying statement: “So shall they [the priests] put my name upon the people of Israel (Numbers 6:27).”
Therefore, God extends this blessing to His people. As a result, when God blesses them, they bear his name (emphasis Tina’s).
Today’s question: What Bible verses help make your mirror heart God’s shining place? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Naming – intimate, powerful act bestowing identity”
