When a loved one leaves the house, do you find yourself having a ritualistic saying that you pronounce over them and their safety? And if you don’t say it, do you worry that something could happen to them? I think we all, at some time in our lives, have done this. There is no shame in wishing our loved ones safe travels.
When my children entered the driving phase, I would always say to them, “Be careful!”. If they hadn’t checked in, I’d say, “I was worried you were in a ditch.” When my son called to check in, he would then say, “I avoided all the ditches.” lol. It then became a joke that when they left the house, I would say, “Take chances and be reckless.”
There’s something about a spoken word of safety that brings reassurance to the one speaking it and blesses the one receiving that word. It shows the person how much we care about them and their safety.
Years later, my son was in a situation that could’ve ended very badly. He told my daughter-in-law, “I know my mom was praying for me.” He was right. Those spoken “be careful” always morphed into prayer, and my son knew that. He believed I meant what I said, all jokes aside.
Churches have a similar “ritual” that the Pastor pronounces to the congregation at the end of church service – the benediction: “The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift His countenance on you, And give you peace.” This benediction actually has its origin in the Words God gave to Moses to speak over Aaron and to bless all the sons of Israel.
How amazing! Our Heavenly Father sends us off with a blessing of safety and comfort. But how many of us have made that connection? Do we even believe the words of the benediction? I confess that the benediction has become so rote that I don’t really absorb it in a meaningful way each Sunday. I assume I’m not alone…
Let’s look at how we can live in the blessing of this very familiar church benediction.
Receiving the Lord’s Blessing and Protection
“The Lord bless you, and keep you.” Numbers 6:24
Have you ever stopped to think about what it truly means to receive God’s blessings?
To be blessed by God means receiving God’s favor. Do you see that?? The next time you hear the benediction, remember it is a pronouncement of God’s favor over you! This includes spiritual blessings like His presence, grace, and a connection to Him. To receive that favor, you must be an active participant through prayer, spending time in the Word, and being still before Him. In those moments, you will experience His presence by connecting with Him.
After all, remember back to a time when you fell in love. How much did you think about that person when you weren’t with them? How could you not wait to see them again? That quiet knowing that you loved someone and they loved you.
This is how we should feel after hearing the benediction. The God who loves us with an eternal love is sending us off with Words of His favor. His love for us should cause us to think of Him often and desire to be in His presence. Carrying God’s love within typically manifests in a desire to share that love with those you interact with, thereby blessing others in turn.
God’s blessing also comes with protection. The God of the universe “keeps” us safe. Nothing can snatch us from His hands. We are the bride of Christ. Nothing separates us from His love.
God’s protection doesn’t mean we will never be touched by suffering, BUT when we live in the blessing of the benediction, we will look for God in our suffering, and we WILL see how He is providing strength and endurance within the safety of His arms.
After church this Sunday, let the benediction prompt you to live in the favor of God’s blessing and protection.
Living in the Light of God’s Grace
“The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;” Numbers 6:25
Have you ever sat inside, next to a window in the sunshine, and noticed the sparkly gem you were wearing reflecting onto the wall, with beautiful colors dancing around?
When we live in the light of God’s grace, we are allowing His light to reflect off of us – all Glory to Him. Those around us see that we depend and trust upon Him wholly for strength in our daily lives.
When we show God’s grace to others, we are reflecting the light of Christ. Whether it be through loving actions, such as kindness to a stranger, compassion for the downtrodden, hospitality to a shut-in, or help where it is needed. The list is endless.
Living in the light of God’s grace is one of gratitude. We acknowledge that we are sinners saved by grace. We don’t take this for granted, but rather demonstrate the love of Jesus to others in humility, thereby reflecting His light.
After church this Sunday, share the gift you received through the benediction by being a beacon of God’s grace to those around you. Remember with gratitude how His grace is a continual gift to you.
Experiencing God’s Peace
The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’ Numbers 6:26
One day, when we receive our eternal reward, we will come face-to-face with Jesus. What an extraordinary day that will be!
As we’ve read in the Bible, no one could see the face of God in the Old Testament without being struck dead. However, the martyr Stephen did… “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God”. Acts 7:55 Can you imagine?! What peace he must’ve experienced as he was being stoned to see that magnificent scene!
In our verse above, the Lord is being called to look us directly in the eye, so to speak. We know the Lord sees us at all times. There is NOWHERE we can go where He does not see us. BUT this verse serves as a reminder of God’s promise to that end.
Think about it. If you’ve had a difficult week, you can recall the benediction and be reminded that God sees you. He knows what is going on. He understands how you are feeling. In fact, He has ordered your steps and has a purpose for your week. Not only that, you had a prayer of favor prayed over you for that week! Those reminders alone will bring about the incredible peace of Christ.
Have you ever thought about what exactly God’s peace entails? In this particular verse, the Hebrew word used for peace means “not just the absence of war, but a sense of complete well-being, wholeness, and flourishing in all areas of life—physically and spiritually.” Quote AI-generated. Wow! Now that’s the kind of peace we all want to
experience! And remember, that blessing was pronounced over you this past Sunday. Why not accept it and walk in it!
After church this Sunday, look for God’s presence in your week. Know that He is watching over you. Be grateful for His grace. Live in the peace of this knowledge and bask in that blessing.
Father, thank you for this benediction. Help me to live in the blessing of your words every week. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
In what ways will you choose to be in God’s presence this week?
How will you live in the blessing of the benediction this week?
Karen Del Tatto is a blogger, author, women’s ministry leader, pastor’s wife, mom, and grandmother who is passionate about the Word of God. Her blog Growing Together in Grace and Knowledge and her books Choosing to Trust God: Breaking the Habit of Worry, A 30-Day Devotional and Choosing to Trust God Companion Journal reveal her heart for providing Biblical insights to encourage women to grow in and through their struggles while equipping them to overcome. Karen and her husband live in Rhode Island and enjoy walks in the woods, owling, and spending time with their grandchildren.
