(Numbers 6:24-26)
This ancient blessing came to Moses from the Lord Himself. The priests, who were to intercede for the sins of the people, were to say these words back to them when their offerings were accepted. The tabernacle sacrifices pointed to the redemption the Lamb of God would pay in full, on the cross. God knew Israel sinned. He knows we sin. But the Blood of His Son is so powerful, it overwhelms the condemnation we deserve, with the shining grace of the Face of God. Just as the Lord was pleased to be tabernacled in the midst of Israel in Moses' day, so in our day, He is pleased to be tabernacled in our hearts by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are the temple of God. More than that, the Greek says we are the naos of God. This does not mean we are gods. It means that God has come to dwell in us by the Spirit. Our human spirit has received the Holy Spirit, making us the Bride of the Son of God. We lie if we say God has deserted us, if we are born again by His Spirit.