After Aaron is installed as high priest, having offered sacrifice before the Lord for the first time, he turns, and as the Torah says:

וַיִּשָּׂא אַהֲרֹן אֶת-יָדָו אֶל-הָעָם, וַיְבָרְכֵם

“And Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them” (Lev. 9:22).

This section of Leviticus may seem a bit dry, uninspired, or even gross, given the subject matter, but the Torah reveals something beautiful.

Aaron used his new position, a position of esteem and responsibility, to bless others. Standing before the congregation he turns toward them, and by lifting his hands in blessing, he embraces them.

We find similar language, when Messiah, as He is ascending to heaven, lifted His hands and blessed his disciples, as Luke records:

“And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen” (Lk. 24:50-53).

Aaron blessed, and in turn Israel was to be a blessing. Messiah blessed, and in turn, we are to be a blessing.

How might we use our position in turning to others, to bless them, as we have been blessed? Your lifted hands, your embrace, may be the blessing that makes all the difference for someone’s life or need.

You are neither too high, nor too low to not be an avenue of God’s blessing through your hands, or by your embrace. Just turn to them, in Him, and He will do the rest.

Be well. Shalom.