242. Michael Glodo on the Aaronic Blessing: Numbers 6:22-27

In this episode, we welcome The Reverend Michael J. Glodo to discuss his book The Lord Bless You and Keep You: The Promise of the Gospel in the Aaronic Blessing. Found in Numbers 6:22-27, what is the Aaronic Blessing and why does it matter? Landing on the themes and threads of blessing and keeping, of the Lord’s “face” and presence, as well as the purpose and eschatology of the peace promised in this incredibly rich passage of Scripture. Going back to the beginning, even in the Biblical account of the creation of man in the image and likeness of God, we see the purpose of man’s face – and in the Fall, we see man’s face marred in rebellion, guilt and sin. As he writes: “The story that precedes the blessing of God’s gracious gaze is one of the people seeing, avoiding, longing for, and catching a glimpse of the face of God.” Taking us through “the story of faces”, Rev. Glodo takes us through some highlights of the “long-running story” within which the Aaronic Blessing both takes part and points toward as we eventually see the face of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Not only do we see the storyline and the theology of Scripture exemplified in the Aaronic Blessing, but we can also learn much about the worship of God by his covenant people. Indeed, what is a benediction, and how is it a distinct and essential part of worship, both for Israel of old – and the church today? Listen in as Rev. Glodo gives us a tour of the tapestry of all the Aaronic Blessing has to offer God’s people, even today.

Book: The Lord Bless You and Keep You: The Promise of the Gospel in the Aaronic Blessing

Other resources by The Reverend Michael J. Glodo:

Sermon: “God’s Gracious Gaze” (Numbers 6.22-27)

Video: “What is the place of prayer in worship?”

Check out Rev. Glodo’s Website

Also, check out St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church

- “The Church in the Old Testament” (Westminster Society Journal)

- “Sola Ecclesia: The Lost Reformation Doctrine”

- “Covenant Sign and Seal: The Symbolic Significance of Circumcision and Its Application to the New Testament Believer” (also Part Two)

Other resources:

Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

Metaphors We Live By by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson

Mere Christian Hermeneutics by Kevin J. Vanhoozer

Leading in Prayer; The Shaping of the Reformed Baptismal Rite in the Sixteenth Century; Holy Communion in the Piety of the Reformed Church by Hughes Oliphant Old

A Way to Pray by Matthew Henry

God is the Gospel by John Piper

Union with the Resurrected Christ by G.K. Beale

Second Helvetic Confession, chapter 18

E.g. OPC Book of Church Order

Charles Wesley: “Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown” (audio clip: Washington Choral Arts Society)

Scourby: Numbers, Genesis

Also check out the Ketef Hinnom Amulets

LDS Clips:

News: here, here and here

Founding Prophet Joseph Smith: JSH-1 (and here); also, here

President Brigham Young: JD 10.230-31

Elder Orson Pratt: The Seer, p.255

Elder George Q. Cannon: Gospel Truth, p.324

Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “Our Relationship with the Lord” (also, here)

Elder LeGrand Richards: “Strange Creeds of Christendom”

President Gordon B. Hinckley: “We Look to Christ”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” (also, here and here)

For more discussion of the LDS doctrine of The Great Apostasy – please check out this interview.