The Undying Blessing

Benediction

(Ephesians 6:23-24)

“Benediction? Isn’t that just a formality? The real deal is the sermon. I’ve got to leave before the benediction to stay on time.” Do you have such a thought?

1. A Mutual Covenant
Benediction is not a formality to conclude the service. The time of benediction is the moment when the blessing guaranteed by God is proclaimed. The one who gives the benediction is a man, but it is God who has called him and given him authority. Though benediction takes the form of a one-sided declaration, it carries within it the meaning of a mutual covenant between God and His people. Even when God desires to bestow a blessing, if people do not receive it, this covenant is not fulfilled. Therefore, to be blessed, we must respond with faith and obedience.

2. The Expansion of Blessing
As one reads through Ephesians from the beginning, the entire flow feels like a worship service, and most fittingly, it concludes with a benediction. In this benediction, Paul’s earnest love and expectation for the believers is contained. He longed for God’s blessing to rest not only on the church in Ephesus but also on the churches throughout Asia Minor, and even beyond time itself, upon all who love Jesus Christ. That desire of Paul has been fulfilled, and the blessing continues to this day.

3. The Imperishable Blessing
Paul declared peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He desired that all who had been reconciled to God would live lives of trusting Christ, and that just as they had received great love from God, they would show love to all the saints. He also desired that God’s favor be upon all who do so. Let us also love Christ with all our hearts. Let us receive the imperishable blessing—one that no attack of the enemy can ever break.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim