June 16, 2025

Bless you! – June 16, 2025

3 minutes

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20250616fam.mp3

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Read: Numbers 6:22-27

“‘“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’

Numbers 6:24-26

Bless you!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

AH-CHOO!! A loud sneeze! What do you say when you hear someone sneeze? “Bless you!” You probably say it without even thinking. Maybe you learned it when you were little, just like saying “please” or “thank you.” It’s a kind thing to say. But have you ever thought about what it really means?

When we say, “Bless you,” we are not just being polite. We’re asking God to help that person feel better and stay healthy. That’s a big thing to ask—because only God gives real protection and care.

A long time ago, in the Bible, God gave his people a very special blessing. You can find it in Numbers 6. God told Moses’ brother, Aaron, to say it to the people. That’s why it’s called the Aaronic blessing. For thousands of years, God’s people have heard these words at the end of church services.

But this blessing isn’t just nice words. It’s God showing us how much he loves us. When God says, “I bless you,” he’s not just saying it—he’s doing it! He’s giving us good things like breath in our lungs, sunshine, and people who care about us.

Sometimes we think blessings are only the stuff we get. But the best blessing is that God is with us. Think about these words: “The Lord bless you and keep you.” That means God is close by. He sees when you’re sad, scared, or tired. And he promises to help.

When you feel all alone—God is right there.

When you mess up—God forgives you.

When life feels hard—God holds you close.

God’s blessings aren’t just words. They have power. Because God’s Word always does something! The Lord bless and keep you.

Prayer:

Dear Lord God, thank you for always being with me and blessing me every day. Help me remember that your love is bigger than any fear or mistake. Keep me close to you and help me be a blessing to others too. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

When the pastor says the blessing at the end of church, what do you notice he does with his hands? (This invites observation and curiosity—especially if they’ve noticed the sign of the cross.)

Have you seen the pastor make the sign of the cross with his hand? What do you think that means? (Encourages discussion about the meaning behind the motion—God’s forgiveness, Jesus’ love, etc.)

What is the best blessing God has ever given you? (Helps them think beyond material things—guide them toward “Jesus,” “forgiveness,” or “God being with me.”)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why do you think the name “Lord” is said three times in the blessing? What might that tell us about God? (This can introduce the idea of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.)

Can you think of other times during the worship service when the sign of the cross is made? (Helps them connect worship moments—baptism, confession, blessing—with God’s promises.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

Are there times when it’s hard or scary to think that God sees everything we do? (Invites honest feelings about guilt or mistakes and prepares them to hear about forgiveness.)

Have you ever had trouble falling asleep because you’re thinking about school or something that’s bothering you? (Relatable! Builds empathy.)

How can remembering God’s promise to bless and keep you help you feel better?

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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