“Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.” (Hebrews 13:20-25 New American Standard Bible 1995 Edition)
It’s Sunday. You are on your way to church! Good for you! Let’s fast-forward to the last portion of the worship service. Visualize this picture: The sermon has been delivered. The invitation to come to Jesus has been extended. The only thing left, per the order of worship as written on the bulletin, is the altar prayer, the doxology, and the benediction. (The service is not concluded until the final blessing has been given.)
As you continue to visualize the sanctuary, look around. You can’t help but notice that while the doxology is being sung, diaper bags are being packed, bibles are being zipped back up in the decorated cover cases they came with…freed for one more week, little computers are being shut down and stuffed in purses and book bags, and coats are being donned as if there is going to be a race to see who is first out of the parking lot.
I have three words for “those people” and for you too, if any of these or similar happenings are keeping you from hearing the benediction, the final blessing. Here they are: “Wait for it!” Let me say it again, “Wait for it!”
You see, the final blessing will inject in you a sense of being blessed and it will influence you to go out and be a blessing to others and the Lord’s kingdom. The final blessing will remind you of God’s love for you, relate to you that God’s grace will accompany you, and this benediction will have you leaving service with a charge to serve. For after the Lord blesses you, you are to be a blessing to others.
Let’s fast forward one more time, all the way to the end of the week ahead and see yourself standing with a sense of confidence that you have pleased God by being a blessing by your words, your work, your witness, your withstanding whatever came your way, because you knew that God’s grace was with you!
Now, let us step back in real time. Head out to worship! Hear the preached word, preached from the word inspired by God! Hear the sent message, sent by the Lord, sent through a specific messenger, and sent for a purpose. Bypass thinking that the benediction is just a part of church ritual, and really go ye therefore and be His reliable witness! And remember this, my friend, my fellow disciple, “Therefore” is everywhere you go. Say it in reverse if you so choose to do so: Everywhere is “therefore.” A few more words before the closing verse: The grace of God be with you! Be blessed!
P.S. Always look at the benediction in the larger context as I have done with our scriptural passages this morning. Again, be blessed!
“Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven. And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.” (Jude 22-25 The Message Bible)
Mark L. King