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THE BENEDICTION
The Benediction is a part
of the Order of Service in the Worship Service of the church.
Do you notice that at the end of the Worship Service, the Pastor
will give the Benediction? What is the Benediction? What is so
important about it? Why should Benedictions be given only by an
Ordained Minister?
In Grace Church, if you are careful to notice the Order of Service;
when I am not in the Service, the church weekly will not print
as Benediction. It is printed as a "Closing Prayer".
If, however, there is an Ordained Minister, the weekly will print
"Benediction".
Robert I. Vasholz, in his book, "Benedictions: A Pocket Resource"
says, "The word benediction derives from two Latin words
that means 'to speak well of'. Benedictions are pronounced by
ministers at the close of worship services as an expression of
hope and encouragement to God's people to face whatever their
future might hold. They are reminder of a good and great God,
Who is rich in mercy, Who is not only for them but with them in
whatever trials may befall their course in life".
It must be noted that the Reformers considered the benedictions
of the Bible as prayers of intercession.
David B. Calhoun, who is Professor of Church history in Covenant
Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri says, "The gesture
that accompanied the benediction in Reformed services was not
the sign of the cross, as in Catholicism, but the lifting up of
his hands by the minister. It is a gesture of reception, a symbol
of God's mercies coming down upon the congregation. The minister
receives and passes on to the people the blessing of the presence
of God and the peace that God gives".
Is benedictions a biblical practice? We have the Aaronic 'blessing'
or benediction in Numbers 6:24-26:
"The Lord bless you and keep
you.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto
you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace"
Paul always gave his blessings
and benedictions in the epistles, for example: "The grace
of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen" (Phil. 4:
23). Jesus gave his blessings and benedictions to His disciples
in Luke 24: 50.
Benedictions are a part of our Worship Service. We must receive
it and respond to it with the three Amens enthusiastically.
Pastor
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