Joel Kim
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
My argument was skipping benediction to get to the parking lot earlier was not a bad thing for us to do.
Over time, you've come to realize that your parents are probably right.
And I've come to recognize the importance of the good word, the benediction prayed at the end of worship, because there's much meaning behind the benediction delivered.
Benedictions remind the worshipers that God has the first word in worship when he calls us to worship, and also the last word in worship.
That's the first thing you hear and the last thing you hear.
The benediction reinforces the truth that God is the main message and also the main messenger in worship.
Not only do we hear him declare, what he declares is about himself.
The benediction declares the reign of God as a present reality and a promise of future reality.
Not only is the blessings of God present with you in worship, but as you disperse from the church, the blessings of God go with you and the promises are there for you.
Lastly, the benediction reminds the church of the church's blessings that the church has received from the Lord and her mission.
It declares without hesitation to whom we belong and to where we are sent, reminding the church of its mission of being a witness and light onto the world, a dying world that needs to hear and know Jesus Christ and to hear his name lifted on high.
As we hear the words of Psalm 67, and in these words of benediction in our text, we are reminded of our blessings and our responsibility to bless in grateful response.
Perhaps many of you are familiar with the words of the blessing recorded in Psalm 67.
Often pastors use this blessings of Aaron found in the book of Numbers as the final word in worship in benediction that brings worships to a close.
Numbers chapter six, verse 24 through 26 declare, the Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.