When closing our time of worship together each Sunday, I love to offer the benediction. It is a word derived from Latin that simply means ‘speak well’ or ‘good word.’  With my hands outstretched I speak words that invite the people now leaving the service to walk with God and the Lord to grant them His blessings. It may look like a ritual but it is a deeply meaningful moment for me. The writers of the New Testament liked benedictions, too. 

Jude closes his little letter with this blessing: "To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 24-25, NIV)  I could soak my mind and heart in those words for a long time!  God is sufficient for our needs, completely able to keep us on our feet and steady in faith until we arrive in His eternal house. And we can anticipate showing up, not fearfully, but joyfully.  Jude celebrates the greatness of God shown us in the face of Jesus.  Good stuff, right?

Peter speaks his word with confidence: "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:10-11, NIV)   That apostle who bumbled and stumbled in his days with Jesus loved the knowledge that grace was his. God loved him (and us!) not because we are good, smart, or flawless but because He is full of grace.  Peter reminds us of what he knew – God finds us in our weakness and makes us strong.  I wonder if he remembers his tears of regret after he denied Christ and the moment of his restoration on a beach in Galilee when His Lord asked: “Peter, do you love me more than these?”  I think he did.

Paul closes the letter to the Romans with beautiful and powerful words: "Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen." (Romans 16:25-27, NIV)  He tells those Christians living at the center of Rome, a godless place that worshipped power and wealth, that the Gospel is their hope, that God has shown them a Way that is for ‘’all nations.”  God will keep you from wavering, from being diverted by worldly deceptions, he says.  What a word for us, in this godless time. We are established, not by our buildings, our seminaries, our organizations. We are grounded in the Gospel of Christ and the truth of the Word. What a blessing.

One of the most familiar benedictions in the Bible is ancient:  "The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

“‘The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’

“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”" (Numbers 6:22-27, NIV)  “Bless and Keep!”  Do you pray that for your brothers and sisters? Do you ask Him to enrich their lives with His Presence, to look on them with favor?  I do.  The priests spoke the Holy Name of God over the people, a reinforcement of their identity -  “God’s People.” 

I close with my favorite benediction, from Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus. As you read it, personalize this prayer.  Let the words become ‘living words’ for you, accepting the blessings that are spoken in them. They are wonderful, good, and true.

The word from the Word:
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21, NIV)  Those words make me weep as they are a powerful statement of Christ’s love and power at work for me – for you.

Be blessed and bless others today.

________________

The Blessing

The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make his face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn his
Face toward you
And give you peace

 

Amen

May his favor
Be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family
And your children
And their children
And their children

 

May his presence
Go before you
And behind you
And beside you
All around you
And within you
He is with you
He is with you

 

In the morning
In the evening
In your coming
And your going
In your weeping
And rejoicing
He is for you
He is for you

 

He is for you
He is for you

 

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How secure do you feel today?  I live in a rural part of New Jersey where violent crime is virtually non-existent. I will leave my home today without a thought about my personal security. If I lived in some parts of Chicago where crime is flourishing, I would feel differently. Greater threat requires increased vigilance.   

However, spiritually I know that there is an adversary who desires my destruction!  Because I am a Christian, I am part of the opposition and engaged in a daily battle.  But, I am not fearful. Here’s why.  God provides for my protection.

The Word says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:10-18, NIV)

First up, we are taught that our real battle is not with other people, but rather with powerful spiritual beings. Our Western minds are trained to understand the world in which we live in a material way. Most believe that what is “real” are things that can be measured, touched, and seen. We worship human knowledge, rather arrogantly assured that there is no problem that our best minds cannot solve. I am ever so grateful for modern medicine, for the technology that lets me live in a climate-controlled home, for the abundance of food that modern farming techniques provide. But, I know that there is a realm outside of the visible world in which evil is at work; causing hate, bringing division, blinding the minds of many to their true reason for existence. The Devil is real and at work in our world.

We learn in this passage that as children of God though we live in hostile territory, we need not be afraid. The armor worn by the ancient foot soldier illustrates the many ways that those of us who are ‘in Christ’ live securely in spite of active evil that works to frustrate and destroy the plans of God.

In Christ, we find Truth, which Paul refers to as the Belt in our armor.  The belt held the soldier’s clothing and armor in place during hand to hand combat. When we know Christ as Lord, He reveals the true nature of life to us: that we are not random products of an evolutionary scheme. We are made by a loving Creator. He shows us that humanity’s true problem is one of sin that produced spiritual death. The remedy is faith in His work of restoration so that we can be alive to God, reconciled to our Father.

In Christ, we are given Righteousness, the Breastplate in our armor.  Righteousness does not mean being out of touch, incapable of laughter, or living a mean life of misery. The righteous are those whom Christ has forgiven, whose guilt is removed, who stand before God justified and whole. It is not something we create, it is God’s gift of grace. What a protection it gives. We learn that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2, NIV)  Those who have received the gift of righteousness sleep well, have hope, and are secure.

In Christ, we have Peace, our Shoes, which gives us steady footing in life.  Anxiety is the modern curse. Millions live with a simmering pot of fear inside of them, restless, and confused.  The Devil exploits that fear and keeps them off balance, looking in all the wrong places for relief.  Jesus offers us the Gospel (the good news) of peace with God which makes it possible for us to live in the peace of God. He is our Peace, the source of serenity in this life which is anchored in the promise of an eternal home.  Christian, are you wearing the shoes of Peace that give you sure footing in this uncertain world?  God says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)

In Christ, we live by Faith, the Shield which extinguishes the Devil’s fiery arrows!  Who has not experienced those moments when temptation rages?  The attack takes various forms depending on our individual situation. It might be pride, or lust, or greed, or hate, or doubt. The arrows are aimed squarely at our heart, designed to maim and destroy us spiritually.  Our best protection is not therapy, or new opportunity, or relocation, or even explanation!  We turn to Christ in faith, accepting greater faith in His Word, and we are transformed into men and women of courageous faith.  Faith is more than just ‘believing.’  James tells us that faith works, that faith is more than  feeling. "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:26, NIV)  We live ‘in faith,’ looking to Jesus!

In Christ, we gain new minds, wearing the Helmet of Salvation.  Being ‘saved’ is more than getting religion, going to church, or saying a prayer. Salvation is, in Jesus’ words, being ‘born again,’ becoming a new person, with a new way of thinking, oriented not merely to survival but to living fully as a child of God on his way home to the Father’s house.  Our salvation involves the transformation of our thoughts, the work of the Holy Spirit that gives us a clear mind, insight, discernment, and wisdom.  The soldier did not venture into battle with his head bare.  A wound to the head rendered him incapable if not dead!  Christian, put on Christ and let Him change the way you think so that you are "transformed by the renewing of your mind… able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)

In Christ, we have one offensive weapon, the Sword of the Word.  Yes, Christ is God’s living Word in the world. He speaks, the world obeys.  When we know Him, we can speak in His Name, exercising His authority against the powers of evil that stand against us.  We do not have to turn into silly, superstitious people looking for demons behind every tree.  We live in full faith, speaking God’s Word, living in the wisdom of the Living Word and the written Word of Scripture, and we defeat the darkness.  Are your words, which flow from your heart, shaped by the Word of God?

In this ‘world with devils filled’ (Martin Luther) we ‘need not fear for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us!’  

Meditate on those familiar words of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Then take this word from the Word and know that you, child of God, are well protected.

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." (Ephesians 1:18-23, NIV)

________________

AMighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God

A bulwark never failing

Our helper He amid the flood

Of mortal ills prevailing

For still our ancient foe

Doth seek to work us woe

His craft and power are great

And armed with cruel hate

On earth is not his equal

 

Did we in our own strength confide

Our striving would be losing

Were not the right man on our side

The man of God's own choosing

Dost ask who that may be

Christ Jesus it is He

Lord Sabaoth His name

From age to age the same

And He must win the battle

 

And though this world

With devils filled

Should threaten to undo us

We will not fear

For God hath willed

His truth to triumph through us

The prince of darkness grim

We tremble not for him

His rage we can endure

For lo his doom is sure

One little word shall fell him

 

That word above all earthly pow'rs

No thanks to them abideth

The Spirit and the gifts are ours

Through Him who with us sideth

Let goods and kindred go

This mortal life also

The body they may kill

God's truth abideth still

His kingdom is forever

 

Martin Luther

© Words: Public Domain

 

Rocks and Mountains

A couple of years ago, I took a trip to the great American West. I drove up a long road to reach the summit of Pike’s Peak, which towers 14,000’ into the sky. There I found an interesting paradox. The summit is incredibly ugly -  if you only look at the immediate surrounding area. There is no vegetation, just rubble and rocks. But, if raise your eyes, and look at the horizon, you see the majestic views of the Rocky Mountains and the sweeping plains that inspired the song, “America, the Beautiful.”  

How you live, who you become, is the result of something called “vision.”  Two people who are in similar situations will find much different outcomes depending on how they choose to understand and respond. One sees only hardship and turns into a victim, blaming everyone for the troubles in which he finds himself. Another sees opportunity and finds a way forward; learning, growing, a ‘becomer.’  

American lore is full of ‘rags to riches’ stories of men and women who worked hard to make life work.  Joni Eareckson Tada comes to mind.  When she was just 17 years of age, in 1967, this beautiful girl with a bright future dove into the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and broke her neck. Left paralyzed from the neck down, she became totally dependent on others. Now 71 years of age, the lovely Christian woman, is a visionary person who has written dozens of books, spoken in thousands of meetings, been married for decades, leading a ministry of compassion for those who are disabled called Joni and Friends. I love her authenticity. She does not sugarcoat the tragedy, but she chooses not to play the victim!

What kind of person do you want to be?

God, the Holy Spirit, promises to work deeply in each one of us, saving us through Christ, restoring us, healing our broken places, and using us to serve.  Look at the life that pulses through this prayer – I am "asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves." (Colossians 1:9-13, NIV)   Go back and read that again, before you read on.

The way that passage unfolds excites me.  IF we will look beyond the rubble, if we will trust our Great Savior, we will find the strength of the Spirit to live a worthy life. We will not be victims, we will be spiritually empowered. We will not be a barren desert, we will bear abundant spiritual fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control- Gal. 5:22-23).   Does that only happen to the rich, the beautiful, the advantaged, the bright?  No, it is the work of God that can happen in each one of us, IF we will trust Him and let Him create vision.

Know this – God’s vision for you is provisioned by God’s power in you!

Christian, do not turn Christ’s Gospel into an escape, an excuse for apathy today, focused only on Heaven to come.  We are blessed to have that eternal home waiting but there is living to be done all along the way – from here to eternity.  Don’t turn the blessing of your faith into a constant struggle to ‘do better,’ to set limits on your behavior.  Our high calling is about much more than trying to be nicer person, trying to quash our temper, ignore lust, or stifle greed. Living the Christian life like that is like walking the summit of Pike’s Peak looking down and seeing the rocks.  Raise your eyes to see the glorious inheritance God gives and invite the Holy Spirit to transform you. 

I like think of it like this. IF you attempt to empty a room of darkness you have set yourself up for impossibility. But, you can fill a room with light by just lighting a candle!

Here’s the word from the Word. As you read it, give thanks that the Spirit for eyes that see all the Gospel, including God’s vision for YOU.  "Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory. So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ’s mighty power that works within me." (Colossians 1:28-30, NLT)  "Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." (Ephesians 3:20, NLT)

So, what do you ‘see?’

_________________________

Blessed Assurance
(Christ is our hope, our assurance!)

Blessed assurance Jesus is mine

O what a foretaste of glory divine

Heir of salvation purchase of God

Born of His Spirit washed in His blood

 

This is my story this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

This is my story this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

 

Perfect submission perfect delight

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight

Angels descending bring from above

Echoes of mercy whispers of love

 

Perfect submission all is at rest

I in my Savior am happy and blest

Watching and waiting looking above

Filled with His goodness lost in His love

 

Fanny Jane Crosby

© Words: Public Domain