God speaks to us with heavenly realities in spite of our earthy frailty. This awakens within us the affirmation of the Father, the hope for tomorrow and the assurance of God’s presence in our lives.
This is the benediction.
It’s not a “wouldn’t it be nice if . . . “ It’s not a “Have a nice day.” It’s not a “When you wish upon a star.” It is the truth and power of the Word of God spoken over our lives.
When we choose to believe the solid foundation of the truths of God’s Word over our fickle feelings and corrosive culture, our hearts and lives are transformed.
This is the benediction.
The whisper of God’s Fatherly voice. The resounding thunderous proclamation of the finished work of Christ. The peaceful treasures of the assurance of the Holy Spirit.
This is the benediction.
Our repetition of God’s assuring, affirming, transforming truth upon our people.
This is the benediction.
Throughout history, people have known the power of words to change someone’s destiny for good or evil.
Countless times, cutting words have ruined a person’s life or at least damaged their hearts so deeply that without a miracle they are destined to become the very curse that was placed on their hearts.
However, the opposite is also true.
Words have brought people into the profound hope and potential that God designed for them. Overnight or over time they have been changed into becoming who they were destined to be.
I’ve experienced this. You have as well.
When my wife and I were in Israel, the traditional greeting was Shalom. This term is thought of as simply meaning peace. But, it is so much more. It’s a blessing that God would grant peace, goodwill, good health, prosperity, and well-being.
This is the benediction.
Perhaps the best known benediction heard today is from Numbers 6:24 – 26, “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
This was not just some slap on the back with the words “Good Luck!” This was life-altering.
In verse 27 it says, “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” (NIV)
As Aaron and his sons proclaimed these words over the Israelites, things began to shift and change. This benediction brought about transformation.
And so it is today as the benediction is proclaimed over God’s people, they are prophetic words of God’s ongoing actions to change our destinies. When the scriptural blessings are spoken over the congregation it is a Shalom that is founded in the ever-changing Word of God.
Perhaps it’s time for us to reclaim the power and promise of the benediction in our services.
My next posting will offer some suggestions for pronouncing the benediction or blessing.
Until then, “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17:
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