blessing

The Daily Office today invites me to see the context of a favorite part of worship--the blessing of Aaron. Here's the context for a beloved part of week after week worship. And it's tucked into Israel's census book in Numbers 6:22-27

the LORD bless you and keep you
the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the LORD up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 NRSV

Here in the middle of a book counting who was in and who was out of the nation comes this great blessing. Words for Aaron to share with the people in God's name--on God's behalf. Word's of hope and grace right in the midst of a book about knowing who counted as part of God's people.