In many churches, as part of the liturgy, the pastor closes the worship service with a benediction (good pronouncement) invoking God’s help and blessings upon the worshipers.
There are many benedictions in the Bible (for example: Psalm 121:7-8; Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 3:20-21; Jude 1:24-25). One of the most famous biblical benedictions was used in the movie Deep Impact. Before the big comet crashed to earth, the US President (played by Morgan Freeman) said: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV).
As they wandered through the wilderness, the Israelites knew they wouldn’t make it to the Promised Land without God’s help. They looked to Him for the basic necessities of food, water and protection. The repetition of God’s covenantal name, “the Lord” (Yahweh), was a reminder of God’s faithful involvement in their lives. This benediction is a reminder that as we journey through this dangerous and evil world, we too would not survive without His favor, grace, and mercy.
In his book Bless You, Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe wrote of Numbers 6:24-26, “This benediction may be the most quoted of all the benedictions.” Although the benediction was intended for Israel as a people of God, “the six ‘you’ pronouns are all singular, indicating that God’s blessing is for the individual.”
The next time you hear a pastor pronouncing this benediction at the end of a worship service, remember that it’s a petition on your behalf, asking and affirming that God Himself will provide for and protect you (Numbers 6:24), assuring you of His presence, pardon, and peace (Numbers 6:25-26).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Isaiah 53:1-12
More:
What do the biblical benedictions in Ephesians 3:20-21, Jude 1:24-25, and Hebrews 13:20-21 say about God and you?
Next:
Would you agree or disagree that Christians today do not take benedictions seriously? Why or why not? What is being asked for in this benediction? (Numbers 6:24-26). How is this benediction meaningful for you?
lindagma on May 23, 2011 at 6:28 am
One of the pitfalls of success is you begin to believe it comes from your effort and forget it is God’s blessing. How valuable is our “daily walk” so He doesn’t have to humble us as a reminder.
agapegirl88 on May 23, 2011 at 9:16 am
This verse is very strengthening for me today.
Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and …
Jude 1:24-25
I am dealing wtih a very difficult sin that I walked in to without the proper preparation to with stand the temptation. Though i failed and have caused great pain to many in my life I have hope that God does love and forgive me.
Thank-you~ agape “little and broken” girl
tom felten on May 23, 2011 at 10:04 am
agapegirl88, thanks so much for sharing. I’m praying for you and I’m sure many others in the odj community are as well. The brokenness seen in your words is a good sign—the sign of a repentant heart. May you apply 1 John 1:9 to your situation and call out to God today. Also, when the temptations come, may you take the “way out” that God provides (1 Corinthians 10:13), finding joy and real life in Him!
mike wittmer on May 23, 2011 at 11:32 am
Agapegirl:
I was reflecting on David’s sin with Bathsheba this morning, and found that Psalm 51 was his response to God for what he had done. Perhaps you will benefit from reading that psalm as your own prayer to God?
You are right to feel bad about what you have done, but remember that it is a time like this that is the very reason we cling to Jesus. Our sin is precisely why Jesus died, and he stands ready to forgive us.
winn collier on May 23, 2011 at 12:52 pm
K.T., what great timing for me to read this. I just wrote a piece on my blog this morning about the act of passing a pastoral blessing (the benediction). Blessing others, on God’s behalf and in Jesus’ name, is one of the most powerful moments. I receive your words as a pronouncement of Jesus’ presence, pardon and peace for me and my house.
peace.