The Promise of Benedictions

The Promise of Benedictions (2 Corinthians 13:14)

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen ”

You may not find a more all-encompassing benediction in Scripture. Remember—a benediction is a “good word,’ or a “word of blessing.” This one sentence from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church gives us that “good word” in Trinitarian form.

First, Paul pronounces the blessing of Jesus’ grace on this particular body of Christ. Think about that grace and what Paul meant. He expressed the desire that the Corinthian church would know every benefit that comes from the grace of Jesus Christ. Salvation, forgiveness, cleansing, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and so much more all come through the grace of Jesus Christ.

In pronouncing this “good word,” Paul reminds the church of every benefit they have in Christ. It was important for them (and us) to remember all the blessings we have in Christ since the trials and hardships of following Jesus might make us forget. We know from Scripture and experience that the provisions of Jesus’ grace often get lost in the confusing hours of daily life.

Then, Paul offers to them (and us) the love of God. There is a wonderful old song titled “The Love of God.” I’ve heard Joyce Hayes sing it in medley with another song called “Think about His Love.” Both songs describe the wonder of God’s love and how it floods our lives with every good thing God has for us. The Apostle puts is so simply: “the love of God . . . be with you all.” Could we receive a better word of blessing?

Paul’s benediction—his “Good Word” to the Corinthians (and us)—concludes with the desire that they would know “the communion of the Holy Spirit.” This part of the benediction brings it all home! The Spirit of God lives in us to make real to us the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” and the “love of God.” Without the Spirit’s ongoing ministry we might see Jesus’ grace and the Father’s love as words on paper. God’s Spirit lives in us to make sure we don’t miss out on God’s love and Jesus’ grace.

Each day you and I have the privilege of knowing this “word of blessing” in our lives. As followers of Jesus, we have God’s Spirit. He lives with us—communes with us—so that we know the blessing of walking with the triune God.

I pray that the power of this “Good word” will take root in us as we walk with Jesus day by day. -- John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Toms River

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 25; Jeremiah 6-8; 1 Timothy 5

Think About This: Where two or three are met together, the prayer of one strikes fire from the soul of another; and the latter in his turn leads the way to nobler heights of devotion. And lo! as their joy increases, there is One in their midst whom they all recognize and cling to. He was there before, but it is only when their hearts begin to burn that they recognize Him; and in a true sense they may be said to bring Him there-"Where two or three are met together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." James Stalker