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"The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you, the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace."
This blessing may sound familiar to you. It is typically spoken at the end of worship. It is a final, parting word to the faithful people who have come to worship God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The formal word that describes this part of the end of worship is called, "benediction." A benediction is spoken to God's people. It is a set of words recalling 'one last time' God's promises for God's people - who will never be together again - with the current set of life's circumstances.
We all know that 'life happens.' Someone could tragically die in a car accident on their way home. Another could be given their notice at work that their employer is transferring their office to another state and they will be forced to move away in order to keep their job. Others will graduate from school and move away for work or other schooling opportunities. You get the picture that when we leave worship, we fully expect life to change and events to unfold.
Every morning you get up and leave your home and your family. You go to work or school or to various appointments and commitments. During the day you will interface with different people, only to eventually come around to home again. You will have the opportunity to share a benediction with all of the people you encounter. What will be your blessing to them? What will be your parting words to your family, friends, co-workers? How will they remember how you spoke to them? Live like you were dying and speak the sweet words of God's blessing and benediction to the people who surround you.
-Pastor Rhonda |
