BENEDICTIONS

 

Sunday, September 11, 2022

 

BENEDICTIONS

 

Heb 13:20-21

20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

          There are no less than eleven benedictions in our Bible. A benediction is a short blessing bestowed upon the hearer, usually at the end of a religious service. It is a desire for God to bring good to them and not evil. It is a request for comfort and for sufficiency. It is a signal of good will.

 

          We must not presume that the blessing comes from the one giving the benediction. He has no power but that of prayer and petition. Some may too quickly but rightly assume so, offended perhaps that anyone might presume to splash good upon hearers from his own store of reserves. This, they rightly conclude, belongs to God alone. Yet scattered throughout the Bible, we see it.

 

God be with you till we meet again;

loving counsels guide, uphold you,

may the Shepherd’s care enfold you;

God be with you till we meet again.

 

Num 6:24-26

24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.