If you have any questions about any of these teachings, you may  contact Brother Don Ragsdale at the following address: don@skywatchmin.org

THE PRIESTLY BLESSING

The Spirit of the Lord is making a declaration from Heaven that the Father God wants his name on those people who wants God in their hearts and lives. It is given at the beginning of their new lives, even while in the wilderness, or in the state of a rough precious stone not yet given to the stonecutter. This blessing is to be given to the new Believer.

"The Lord bless you...."

The word, "bless " is defined in Gen 28:3 as to make one fruitful and increase in number to the extent to become a community of people.

The word, "bless " is defined in Gen 50:20 as to the saving of many lives.

The word, "bless " is defined in Dut 28:3-6 as to the increase of number, of substances, and all that the person does.

The word, "bless " is defined in Psalms 28:9 as to salvation, as to being the Shepherd over, and as to carrying the person always.

The word, "bless " is defined in Psalms 128:5 as to always be with the person even into eternity.
To "bless" a person or people is to bring about the event for the Lord to become involved in a favourable manner in every aspect of the person or lives of the people into eternity. To "bless" is to place God's name on the person or people. This brings about a separation from the world to become the children of God.

" .....and keep you...."

The word "keep" is defined in I Sam 2:9 as to guard the feet, or steps or pathway of the person or people. It is defined as to trust in God to such an extent that one's walk is not by their own strength but in the protection of God's strength.

The word "keep" is defined in Psm 17:8 as to the positioning the person or people into the centre of God's eyes and the absolute protection of hidden refuge from the world. The definition is a complete hiding under the total covering of God's life.


".. the Lord make his face shine upon you..."

The words, " make his face shine " is defined in Job 29:3 as to walk in the darkness by his light.

The words, " make his face shine " is defined in Job 29:24 as to bring about the favour of the Lord upon others through a person or people. It further denotes as something to be treasured by those who receive such favour or light.

The words' " make his face shine " is defined in Psm 31:16 as to the salvation of God's love toward the person or people and that God's love is without failure.

The words, " make his face shine " is defined in Psm 80:3 as to the restoration by God and complete salvation for the person or people.

The words, " make his face shine" is defined in Psm 119:135 as to the instruction or teaching of the decrees and commands of God. It further defines as to the bringing of the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, and the seven attributes of the Holy Spirit, into full activity in the person or people.

The words, " make his face shine" is defined throughout Scripture to bring about God's ever-loving light of salvation into the person or people.

"...and be gracious to you;..."

The words, " be gracious " is defined in Gen 43:29 as to the bringing of unmerited favour of God into a person or people.

The words, " be gracious " is defined in Psm 25:16 as to the bringing to an end of loneliness and affliction. It further speaks of deliverance from spiritual forces of evil.

The words," be gracious " is defined in Psm 86;16 as to the turning toward, bringing attention, with mercy and strength, for salvation of the person or people.

The words, " be gracious " is defined in Psm 119:29 as to the protection from deceiving spirits and ways, through the Spirit in the earnestness of searching the Scriptures to know the Truth.

"..the Lord turn his face toward you..."

The words, " turn his face toward " is defined in Psm 4:6 as to God turning his full attention with the intent of showing something good to the person or people. It further clarifies that only something good can be from God and cannot come from man, but can come through man. Further, defining action and commitment from God to be given to the person or people.

The words, turn his face toward is defined in Psm 44:3 as to God bringing complete victory to the person or people. Further definition states the hand and arm, the strength of God to be involved in the victory without any action of the person or people other than praise and worship. Additionally, spiritual darkness is seen and understood with the knowledge it must be fought with God's arm, which indicates the power of the Holy Spirit.

"...and give you peace."

The words, "give you peace: is defined in Psm 4:8 as God bringing the dwelling of safety to the person or people.

The words, "give you peace" is defined in Psm 29:11 as God brings strength to the person or the people and they are at peace in their hearts.

The words, "give you peace" is defined in Psm 37:11,37 as God giving such revelations of his strength that the person or people become so dependant upon God that they are meek, blameless, and therefore upright before his eyes.

The words, 'give you peace' is defined in Psm 127:2 as God bringing such freedom from worry and anxiety that the person's sleep is freshening every day. It indicates that even while sleeping, the person or people are watched over and God's action continues to protect, deliver the person or people.

The words, "give you peace" is defined in Isa 14:7 as to God's watchfulness is so careful that the person or people are continuously praising and worshipping God with even songs.

The words, "give you peace" is defined in Jer 33:6 as to God bringing health, healing, and security in an abundant manner to the person or people. It also indicates such freedom that it will be a joyful time.

The words, "give you peace" is defined in John 14:27 as to God's giving a peace not belonging to or available to a natural person, but a supernatural peace that delivers one of fear and of a troubled heart.

CONCLUSION:

Therefore, taking into account the various Scriptures brings about the definition of the words, their implications, and their full meaning. It is when a person has the Spirit of the Lord guiding in speaking the blessing that the full meaning of the words comes into focus in the spiritual surroundings of the person or people the blessing is spoken to.

Further, understanding such importance of words will also bring about even more dedication to the Holy One of Israel. Words become much more important and meaningful when such understanding comes. The Scriptures taken on an even more seriousness in the life of the person or people.

It is to be very clearly remembered that to have God in the life of a person or people, is to have the fullness of Christ activated throughout the life in every manner and aspect.

The priestly blessing brings all the glory of the words to Christ Jesus, the Living Word of God, who brings all glory unto the Father God Who is forever to be praised and worshipped for sending forth his Word into flesh. Amen!

September 1995