A few months ago I spent some time reading through the “benedictions” found in the N.T. Looking at these passages reminded me that too often we have the wrong focus. ( Here’s some of these benedictions)
Webster’s gives this etymology for benediction: (Middle English benediccioun, from Late Latin benediction-, benedictio, from benedicere to bless, from Latin, to speak well of, from bene well (akin to Latin bonus good) + dicere to say).
When the New Testament writers ended their letters, or a section of a letter, they would remind the readers of the goodness of God, the good work that He is doing and the nearness of His presence.
As a kid, I remember my pastor raising his hand saying some words as the service came to a close. The 21st Century Baptist Church does not usually end with this kind of benediction…but maybe we should. If you let these good words sink in, they will change your focus!
I’m raising my hands today and believing the Word of God. He is a good God and He’s working good purposes; He is worthy of my attention, allegiance and affection:
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)
Pastor Al Gilbert 