Saturday July 28th, 2018 Ephesians 3:14-21
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (verses 20-21)
I usually associate the word benediction with the end of a worship service. These are parting words celebrating God’s unlimited generosity and faithfulness. A benediction is a blessing to send us on our way. During my seminary days, worship services were held on campus each day. Usually a professor or a guest would lead the worship. On one particular day however, no one was at the front when it was time to begin. Suddenly, a professor, trying hard to get his robe on, ran down the aisle and began the service with the benediction! We were baffled and thought he had become confused because he was late. However he explained that God’s blessing was just as good at the beginning as it was at the end.
The apostle Paul is in prison in Rome. The book of Ephesians is a letter from him to his sisters and brothers in Christ living in Ephesus. It’s a letter of love and concern, encouragement and blessing. And lo and behold, right there in the middle of his letter is a benediction.
God of benediction, may we be aware daily of your blessing in every moment. Amen. — LW
Contributed by Benediction
I usually associate the word benediction with the end of a worship service. These are parting words celebrating God's unlimited generosity and faithfulness. A benediction is a blessing to send us on our way. During my seminary days, worship services were held on campus each day. Usually a professor or a guest would lead the worship. On one particular day however, no one was at the front when it was time to begin. Suddenly, a professor, trying hard to get his robe on, ran down the aisle and began the service with the benediction! We were baffled and thought he had become confused because he was late. However he explained that God's blessing was just as good at the beginning as it was at the end.
The apostle Paul is in prison in Rome. The book of Ephesians is a letter from him to his sisters and brothers in Christ living in Ephesus. It's a letter of love and concern, encouragement and blessing. And lo and behold, right there in the middle of his letter is a benediction.
