Representing God

Representing God
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”‘ So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” —Numbers 6: 22-27
A priest of God had a twofold duty. First, he was to go in before God to represent the people. Secondly, he would represent God to the people as he declared God’s Word to the people.
**What an awesome responsibility it is to represent God to other people.
Those watching God’s representatives develop their concepts of Him by what they see in the priest. This is why God is so concerned in how He is represented before the people.
In this passage, first we see that God desired to bless the people. Secondly, the idea of God’s face shining upon us indicates that God Himself is the source of that grace. Finally, God wants His name associated with peace. People long to see the reality of God. They are watching you. Do you represent Him as being upset and angry over small annoyances? May His love, compassion, tenderness, and goodness flow forth from your life, that people might get a true concept of God as they see that work of His Spirit through you.
Father, may we reflect You to this world. Help us, Lord, and forgive us where we have misrepresented You and given to people a false concept of our God. Amen.