Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
We can all tell when the preacher is nearing the end of a sermon. The application is hammered home and the gospel is proclaimed; then, after singing, the benediction. By the time of the benediction, which features verses like these, we have already grabbed our cell phones to see if we missed anything, voicemails or texts, and at times, we have checked out before really hearing the words of these verses. Paul is proclaiming Christ and his sufficiency for meeting our needs for salvation and growing in Christ. He works in us and therefore, it is he who deserves the praise and the glory as we gather as a church. And so we shall, into eternity. What a benediction!
The benediction is a pronounced blessing upon its hearers. I pray this past Sunday you heard a benediction and were sent forth with a blessing. I also pray all were attentive to it because it sends us out with the feeling that there is more worship to be done in our daily lives, at the restaurant for lunch, and in our interaction with our neighbors. This benediction reminds us that it is the power of Jesus Christ that enables us to do these things so it is to him we sing, pray, and give. Then worship continues after the benediction!
O Heavenly Father, you are the giver of all things necessary for our salvation. May our worship of you continue long after the worship service, at all times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.