If you have been worshipping at Hebron for some time, you will note that we end each and every worship service with a benediction. That is not simply some ritual or action that we do “just because.” A benediction is an important part of a worship service—it both ends the service on a “high note” and it launches the worshipper into their week.
“Benediction” is Latin for “good word” or “good speaking.” So, when the pastor speaks a benediction, he is blessing the congregation with a final “good word”: a good word intended to wrap up all that has been happening during the worship service, and a good word which should spur us on to godliness, service and adoration throughout the week. The benediction of a Hebron worship service is sometimes a summary statement of the Scripture, sometimes a charge and/or encouragement, sometimes a passage from the Bible.
Sometimes, as through this year, we have used a “doxology” as our benediction. “Doxology” means “words of worship” or “words of praise.” Obviously, the object of the doxology is God Himself—He is the One we worship, the One we praise. Whereas a benediction is directed toward us—extending a blessing to us—a doxology extends a blessing to God, a praise for who He is, what He has done.
Closing a worship service with a benediction which is a doxology reminds us that any blessing we might receive, any strengthening, any affirmation or kindness, is due solely and completely to God alone. It is He who is the source, the Author of all good things. Hence, by closing the service with our eyes toward Him, with a doxology set to praise our Savior, we proclaim His goodness and majesty.
Join us for worship this Sunday as we explore a marvelous scriptural doxology (and benediction) in Romans 11:33-36.
By Henry Knapp