The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:14

I heard a sermon by the excellent preacher H.B. Charles on the subject of “benedictions.” Benedictions are the closing words spoken by the pastor at the conclusion of each worship service. Benediction a word made of two words: bene: meaning, good; and diction: meaning, word. A benediction is a “good word” just before we part.

Pastor Charles’ message was an exposition of a benediction from the Old Testament. The sermon was great. Here is what stuck with me: He told of a church he was in as a youngster that received the offering after the sermon. Instead of “passing the offering plate,” the people walked to the front and placed their tithes and offerings in the appropriate place at the front of the sanctuary. Pastor Charles said that if the service had gone long, some people would give their offering and slip out the door before the service was to conclude with a benediction. When the pastor noticed people doing that, he would speak into the microphone saying, “Remember, there is a blessing in the benediction.”

This reminded me of the importance of the benediction. It is a last word of blessing on God’s people before they leave the church to go back out into the world. I usually quote a passage of scripture—a passage containing God’s blessing on His people. May I be faithful to pronounce a true benediction that blesses God’s people.

I pray that we all want to get as much of God’s Word every time we meet, that we will arrive on time to receive the “call to worship,” and remain attentive as we receive the “benediction.” God may have a special blessing in both of these components of the worship service. Let’s not dismiss them as formalities.