Hugh's News & Commentary

"Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, 'Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall 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 lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace."'

So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I
shall bless them."
        Numbers 6:22-27

It was more than thirty years ago now that after reading this benediction in the Book of Numbers, and the explanation of how God gave it to Moses for Aaron and his sons to pronounce over His people that He, God, would bless them, that I began memorizing the benedictions of the Bible.

I realized for the first time that in the heart of this benediction is the fact that the Words are what God blesses, and the focus is upon His people who receive the benediction.It is God Who honors His Word.

At the close of worship services when I was a pastor or chaplain I would stand tall (6 feet 4 inches tall) and raise my hands as high as I could above my head, and ask the congregation if they would receive the benediction. I never really knew which benediction I would give since I had memorized so many of them. A benediction is effective only as the worshiper receives it as from God.

I have seen amazing things happen. I have watched in utter amazement as people would gently fall back into the pew with heads bowed or with hands upraised and faces lifted toward the heavens. In those sacred moments as the recipients of the benediction were being ministered to, the Word was speaking to the spirit of each worshiper. Many people told me that they would not leave a service until I pronounced the benediction.

All I can tell you is that God has anointed me to give benedictions, and now to share those benedictions with you who read Hugh's News. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

I really need to write a book on benedictions. The title will be Ever Blessing, Ever Blessed.  A number of pastors have asked me for a copy of the benedictions I give. They are all in the Bible and I continue to find more.  I am grateful that I have memorized them and can quote them at a moment's notice. Now, that is a gift from God--the gift of being able to memorize. When I find a benediction in the Bible, I immediately commit it and the reference to memory.

From my reading and research I have learned that this Aaronic Benediction was quoted daily in the Temple as well as in the synagogues. Today, this benediction has far more meaning for us in light of the fact that Jesus Christ is our High Priest and the Mediator of a better covenant with better promises (Hebrews 8:6).

As we come now to the close of the year 2010, let me ask you a question:

Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the acceptable time, the day of your salvation. If you believe that God so loved the world of sinners and that you are a sinner and need a Savior, and you believe that Jesus is God's Son, and that He went to the Cross fo Calvary to die in your place for your sins, and that if you will believe on Him, confess your sins, repent of them, and turn to God in faith, you will be saved. For whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.

Here is what the Apostle Paul has written:

"If you shall confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved: for with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, Whosoever believes on Him shall not be put to shame. For there is no distinction between Jews and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon Him: for, whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:9-13).

Do you believe that Word from the Holy Bible? If so, why don't you pray right now in your own words that you desire to become a child of God and that you confess your sins and repent of them, and receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord. If you will, you shall be saved and given eternal life and assurance that you are forgiven and that your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

Let me know if you prayed such a prayer and have invited Jesus into your life.

You may write me at: hugh@hughsnews.com