Benediction

Benediction

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.

AT THE END of every Sunday morning service at the small, red-sided First Baptist Church, the pastor would raise his hand and pronounce a benediction. Though I loved the singing and always appreciated the message in the sermon, the benediction was often my favorite part of the service. The words were usually Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (NIV). Those phrases were familiar and comforting, and I loved the word immeasurably. As a child, I could imagine quite a few good things, so the fact that God could do far more than we could ever ask or imagine sounded pretty impressive.

The word benediction comes from the Latin bene (“good”) and dicere (“to say”). In other words, benedictions are “good words” from God, a joyful and unifying call for his people. From the priests in the Old Testament (see Numbers 6:24-26) to the final words of some of the New Testament letters, benedictions are short statements that petition God on our behalf or assure the church of his promises. Benedictions convey blessings; even more, they signal unity and purpose in the church body.

In some ways, they remind me of the way family members call out, “Love you!” as they leave home. Though they hope to see one another again soon, there’s always the recognition that—should it be the final time they hear a dear one’s voice—they want the last words that ring in their ears to be words of love.

As members of the body of Christ working together in this world, let’s choose to speak a good word into the lives of those around us. Let’s intentionally speak blessings into the lives of those we encounter. Let’s remind one another: You are loved. Your life has purpose and meaning. And the God who can do immeasurably more than we can ever ask or imagine? He can do the same in your life too.

Lord, thank you for the benedictions you’ve spoken into and over our lives. Help us to do the same for others. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Choose to speak words of encouragement to someone, whether it’s in person or through a message.