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Numbers 6:26—“The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

This concluding line of the Aaronic benediction in Numbers 6:24–26 encapsulates the intense relationship between God and His people. To have the LORD lift up His countenance is to experience His attentive gaze and favour. In ancient times, the lifting of one’s face conveyed acceptance and goodwill. When God directs His face toward us, it assures us that we are seen, valued, and welcomed into His presence. This divine attention is not just an acknowledgement; it is an active engagement that transforms our lives.

If God were to hide His face, it would signal judgment or distance (cf. Psalm 13:1). But here He lifts His face. For sinners to enjoy the lifted countenance of a holy God, atonement must come first. Ultimately, this finds fulfilment in Jesus Christ, who bore the Father’s hidden face on the cross so that believers might live under His smiling approval. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 records, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

The promise of peace that follows—“And give thee peace”—is equally significant. Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, represents not mere absence of conflict, but well-being under God’s rule. This benediction offers a comforting reminder for those who feel overwhelmed or estranged. God’s desire is for us to experience His peace, regardless of external circumstances. Through Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of peace, we are assured of our standing before God—accepted and cherished (Romans 5:1). Embrace this assurance today: the LORD lifts His countenance upon you, inviting you to rest in His perfect peace. Let this truth guide and sustain you, even in the most challenging moments. 

Our blessings and security do not rest in circumstances but in the lifted face of the LORD. When His countenance is toward us, we lack nothing essential. Under His gracious gaze, we are kept in covenant peace.

Numbers 6:25—“The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee.”

This second line of the priestly benediction (Numbers 6:24–26) deepens the promise of covenant blessing. Spoken by Aaron over Israel, these words assured the people that their hope rested not in ceremonial performance but in the personal favour of Yehowah. The language here is deeply personal and covenantal, portraying the LORD turning toward His people with the warmth of His shining countenance—“The LORD make his face shine upon thee.”

In Scripture, the shining face of God signifies His pleasure and nearness (Psalm 31:16; 80:3). Just as the sun gives light and life to the earth, so the smile of God brings spiritual vitality to His people. Conversely, when God hides His face, it signals discipline or distance due to sin (Isaiah 59:2). 

Thus, when the LORD makes his face shine upon us, it implies reconciliation. For sinners to enjoy the shining face of a holy God, atonement must be made. Ultimately, this finds fulfilment in Jesus Christ. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). In Him, divine radiance is not consuming wrath but saving grace.

Our text also says, “And (The LORD) be gracious unto thee.” The LORD’s grace is His unmerited favour toward the undeserving people. Israel’s standing was not earned; it was bestowed. So with us. Every expression of heaven’s favour flows solely from sovereign grace. “Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace” (John 1:16; cf. Ephesians 2:8–9).

Every believer must recognise that he lives and progresses beneath a gracious Father whose face shines with covenant love. In Christ, we are graciously welcomed, forgiven, and sustained. How comforting it is for trembling hearts to be reminded that His grace will always be available to us, no matter what may confront us, overwhelm us, or expose our weakness. His supply does not diminish with our failures, nor does it retreat in seasons of trial. In every burden, every uncertainty, and every fear, His grace remains sufficient, steady, and near.

Numbers 6:24—“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee.”

This is the first line of the priestly benediction given by the LORD to Moses, to be spoken by Aaron over Israel. This blessing concludes the instructions on holiness, especially the Nazarite vow. It reminds us that consecration is sustained not by human resolve alone, but by divine favour. The holy God who calls His people to separation from sin to live for Him also pronounces His preserving grace upon them.

The first pronouncement is “The LORD bless thee”. The covenant name, Yehowah ("the LORD"), appears here as Israel’s redeeming God (cf. Exodus 3:14–15). Blessing in Scripture is not merely material increase; it is the gracious bestowal of God’s presence, favour, guidance, and covenant faithfulness, which He grants. Every true blessing flows from His sovereign hand. For the believer today, this finds its fullest expression in Christ, for we are told in Galatians 3:9, “So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham” (cf. Ephesians 1:3, 2 Peter 1:3). To be blessed of the LORD is to live beneath the light of His redeeming favour.

The second pronouncement is “And keep thee”. The God who blesses also guards. The Hebrew idea is that of careful watching, like a shepherd over his flock (cf. Psalm 121:7–8). Israel would face the dangers of the wilderness, enemies, and its own frailties. Yet their security lay not in their strength but in His preserving power. So it is for us. We are “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation” (1 Peter 1:5).

Pastorally, this benediction steadies anxious hearts. The Christian life is not upheld by self-effort, but by divine benediction and divine preservation. The LORD Himself blesses. The LORD Himself keeps. Under such a covenant-keeping God, we may walk forward in humble confidence and holy rest.

Leviticus 10:3—“Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.”

These solemn words were spoken in the shadow of judgment. Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, had offered “strange fire” before the Lord, worship not commanded, fire not appointed. The result was immediate and severe: fire from the Lord consumed them. At that moment of personal loss, Moses reminded Aaron of a divine principle: “I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me.”

God’s holiness is not negotiable. Those who approach Him must regard Him as holy. The priesthood was a place of privilege, but also of accountability. Nearness to God does not diminish reverence; in fact, it must deepen our reverence for Him.

We must remember, as we draw close to God in worship, that He is jealous for His own glory. Worship must be regulated by His Word, not shaped by human creativity or convenience. To come near wrongly is to misrepresent Him before the people.

When we read “And Aaron held his peace”, it was not indifference, but submission. A grieving father bowed beneath the sovereign hand of God. He did not argue, protest, or accuse. He recognised that the Lord was righteous.

Today’s text confronts our casual spirit. Do we approach worship lightly? Do we assume familiarity where Scripture calls for fear? The God of grace is still the God of holiness. Yet in Christ, we are granted access—not by strange fire, but by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Let us draw near with reverence and godly fear, for our God is a consuming fire, and a glorious Redeemer.

Every church stands in constant need of faithful men in leadership. Scripture commands us to pray earnestly for them. A church that prays for godly leaders will have God providing and strengthening the church with godly leadership.

First, while we thank God for calling and appointing men to various offices of the church to serve Him, we must pray for His provision of more godly men in leadership. Acts 13:2–3 recorded how the early church prayed and sent men into the ministry – “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

Second, pray for their spiritual watchfulness. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Obey them that have the rule over you… for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account” (Hebrews 13:17). Pastors and elders will one day answer to God for their care of your souls. Pray that they may live in holy fear, guarding both their own hearts and the flock entrusted to them.

Third, pray for boldness and clarity in preaching. The apostle Paul requested prayer, saying, “Pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25). He also asked “that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). Pray that they may preach with courage, faithfulness, and compassion, never shrinking from declaring the whole counsel of God.

Fourth, pray for their protection from temptation and discouragement. Paul exhorted Timothy, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:16). Ask the Lord to preserve your leaders in purity of life and soundness of doctrine. Spiritual leaders face unique pressures, opposition, and unseen battles. Ask the Lord to guard their hearts from moral compromise, preserve them from discouragement, and strengthen them against every attack of the enemy. Paul’s words to the church in Thessalonica testify to it – “pray for us… that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” (2 Thessalonians 3:1–2). Pray also for their families. A leader must be one who “ruleth well his own house” (1 Timothy 3:4). The enemy often targets the home to wound the shepherd. Pray for unity, joy, and strength within their households.

Finally, pray that they may serve with joy. Hebrews 13:17 urges that they may do their work “with joy, and not with grief”. A praying congregation becomes a source of encouragement rather than a burden. Pray that they may be upheld in purity of life, steadfastness of spirit, and unwavering faithfulness to sound doctrine. Beloved, if you desire strong preaching and faithful oversight, then become a praying people. Lift up your leaders daily before the throne of grace.

Baptism Testimony

Noel Resuma

I was born and raised in the Roman Catholic faith, but was also involved in several organizations, including the charismatic movement, the Samaritans, the Knights of Columbus, and Couples for Christ, in which I served for the longest period of time. After seven years in Couples for Christ, I became a Cluster Head overseeing about one hundred couples from four different towns. Looking back, I realise that although I was zealous in serving the Lord, I was doing so according to my own ways and desires, without a clear calling from Him. I believed I was serving the Lord faithfully because I prayed, read, and meditated on God’s Word regularly. I also taught groups on several occasions, emphasising faith in Jesus Christ and the need for prayerfulness to avoid the return of the unclean spirit (cf. Matthew 12:43–45). Regrettably, I was the very one who experienced this truth when I entered politics. I became full of myself and found myself busy serving people without God—neglecting prayer and Bible reading—and living a life apart from Him. Though I knew I was a sinner, and had repented and accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord, I was not walking in close communion with Him. While I sincerely engaged in all these things within Roman Catholicism, I lacked a clear understanding of the saving Gospel of Christ.

Though painful and difficult, I thank God for His chastening. I suffered a mild stroke, which resulted in numbness on the left side of my body from head to foot. In 2021, my wife was diagnosed with colon cancer and, after two years of pain and suffering, was called home to be with the Lord. Following her burial, while we were still in our period of mourning, I joined my son, his wife, and their children in Cebu for the church’s BW-GYF retreat. During that retreat, as I listened to the Word of God preached by several pastors and preachers, my heart was touched and gradually opened to His truth. From that time onward, instead of dwelling on negative thoughts—sadly born out of my resentment and discouragement after all that had happened to us—I began to count the many blessings God has bestowed upon me. Despite my physical infirmity, I am still able to walk, speak normally, and even drive. God has blessed me with three children and six grandchildren. He has never abandoned us; He has faithfully provided for our needs and far more than we could ask for. I am now here in Singapore—something I never imagined—living with my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, and I am deeply thankful to be with them.

As I read the Bible, I came across Matthew 7:7, which teaches that if we ask, it shall be given; if we seek, we shall find; and if we knock, the door shall be opened unto us. Once again, I asked the Lord to forgive me of my many sins and to grant me faith as I seek His truth and righteousness, knocking at His door that He may accept me into His kingdom while there is still time—for my life on this earth is like the setting sun. Though I continue to struggle against sins, I am assured of my salvation, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). I have confessed my faith in Jesus Christ, believing that He is the way, the truth, and the life (cf. John 14:6). Therefore, when the Lord calls me home, I am ready to enter His kingdom. May God’s will be done, not mine.

During my short stay here in Singapore, I thank God for the opportunity to learn the fundamental doctrines of Christian faith at Gethsemane BPC through the catechism class. I desire to grow further through the preaching of God’s Word, and I now take this step of faith to be baptized, being convicted of my faith in Jesus Christ and seeking to renew my commitment to follow the Lord all the days of my life. May the Lord find me faithful and use me for His honour and glory.

Sermon Text: Psalm 128
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 1st March 2026

Exodus 14:14—“The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

Israel stood at the edge of the Red Sea. Before them stretched an impassable sea; behind them thundered Pharaoh’s advancing army. Humanly speaking, there was no escape. Fear rose quickly, and murmuring followed. Yet into that panic came a word from God through Moses: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace” (vv. 13–14).

The first command is against fear. Faith does not deny danger, but it refuses to enthrone it. The second command is striking: “stand still”. When the heart wants to flee, fix, or fight, God sometimes calls His people to stillness, resting in His covenant faithfulness. Deliverance here would not come by Israel’s strategy, but by divine intervention.

The words, “The LORD shall fight for you”, promise divine intervention to deliver His people. The covenant-keeping God would take up their cause and act on their behalf. The battle belonged to the LORD. Israel’s part was obedience and quiet confidence, so He instructed, “ye shall hold your peace”. Their silence would testify that deliverance was wholly of God.

Brethren, just as Israel contributed nothing to the dividing of the sea, so we, sinners, contribute nothing to our salvation and victory over temptations and trials. The LORD fights, the LORD delivers; the LORD triumphs.

When circumstances trap you between sea and sword, remember this: God often brings His people into impossibilities to reveal His glory. Stand still. Trust His promise. The God who opens seas still fights for His own.

Exodus 3:5—“And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.”

Moses came to Horeb as a shepherd, tending sheep in an ordinary wilderness. There was nothing outwardly remarkable about the soil beneath his feet or the barren landscape around him. Yet, when God revealed Himself in the burning bush, everything changed. The ground was holy because of God’s presence. 

The words, “Draw not nigh hither”, teach a precious lesson about reverence for God: man must approach with holy awe, humility, and submission, never casually. Sinful man does not stroll into divine glory; he is summoned and instructed. 

The command to remove the shoes is an outward sign of inward abasement or humility; such external acts have value only as they express heart-reverence—acknowledging unworthiness and laying aside earthly defilement before the God who is a consuming fire.

And yet, the same God who says “draw not nigh” also draws near in covenant mercy. He reveals Himself not to destroy Moses, but to send him to do His will.

Let us ask ourselves whether we have lost this sense of holy ground. When we gather to worship, do we recognise that we are there not for entertainment, but to meet with the living and holy God—to hear His Word, to bow before His majesty, and to offer Him reverent praise from humbled hearts? Do we recognise that times of prayer are not casual speech? Hearing the preaching of His Word is not like listening to ordinary speech or a lecture. Wherever God speaks through His Word and Spirit, we stand on holy ground.

Yet the One who commands reverence also provides a gracious way of access through Jesus Christ to come to Him boldly (Hebrews 4:16). Therefore, let us approach with humility, repentance, and awe, removing the “shoes” of pride, self-sufficiency and defilement, knowing that our God is holy.

Acts 20:24—“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Paul, the Lord’s faithful servant, stands before the elders of Ephesus, knowing afflictions and chains await him. Yet he says, “But none of these things move me”. The trials before him did not unsettle him, because Christ had already anchored him. Therefore, he could say, “Behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.”

Then Paul speaks with a holy resolve that confronts the spirit of this age: “Neither count I my life dear unto myself”. He does not mean life is worthless, but that it is not ultimate. Paul had learned that self-preservation is a poor master, and that Christ is a far better Lord. The believer’s life is safest when it is surrendered.

His great aim is stated plainly: “so that I might finish my course with joy”. Paul sees his life as a race appointed by God, measured not by length, but by faithfulness. Many begin with excitement; few finish with joy. But Paul’s joy is not rooted in comfort, applause, or success. It is rooted in obedience and communion with Christ, whatever the cost.

Notice also the source of his calling: “the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus”. Ministry is not a self-chosen ambition; it is stewardship. And the heart of that ministry is this: “to testify the gospel of the grace of God”. Grace made Paul fearless. Grace made him willing to suffer. Grace made him joyful in finishing.

When a Christian treasures Christ above life, nothing can truly move him. And when grace is the message, joy can be the ending.

1 Corinthians 1:18—“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

The Apostle with these words draws a sharp line through the world: there are those who are perishing, and there are those who are being saved. And the dividing point is not education, morality, or religious tradition; it is the cross of Jesus Christ. Paul declares, “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness”. The natural man looks at Calvary and sees weakness: a crucified Messiah, blood, shame, suffering, and death. To proud hearts, it seems unreasonable that God would save through what appears to be defeat.

Yet Paul immediately adds, “but unto us which are saved it is the power of God”. The cross is not merely a message about love; it is the mighty act of God. There, sin was judged, justice was satisfied, and the wrath of God was turned away by a perfect Substitute. What the world calls foolish, heaven calls wisdom. What men despise, God has chosen to display His glory.

Mark this well: Paul is not defining the gospel for strangers, but for “us”, the redeemed, the church. The gospel is not only something we believe once; it is the power by which we live daily. When guilt accuses, we return to the cross. When temptation presses, we return to the cross. When suffering humbles, we cling to the cross. When death draws near, we look again to the cross.

The cross humbles the sinner, silences boasting, and exalts Christ alone. It tells us that we are more sinful than we feared, yet more loved than we imagined. Therefore, the Christian does not move beyond the cross. We live under its shadow, rejoice in its triumph, and proclaim it as the very power of God unto salvation.