Scattering Benedictions

The prolific author F.W. Boreham was once described as a man who went abouthis life "scattering benedictions." I have never seen a picture of thismuch-loved minister, but that description colorfully puts an image in mymind.

For many the word "benediction" signals the end of a church service, theparting words of a pastor with lifted hands sending forth the congregationin the grace and love of Jesus Christ. The word comes from two Latin wordsmeaning literally "good speaking" and is most often translated "blessing." Benediction is the act or pronouncement of divine blessing upon anotherperson.

To pronounce a person or group of people blessed was given as acommandment to Aaron and his sons, the tribe chosen to serve as priestsamong the Israelites. The book of Numbers recounts that the Lord spoke toMoses, saying, "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'Thus you shall blessthe people of Israel: you shall say to them, The LORD bless you and keepyou; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; theLORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace'" (6:22-26). Itis a sublime utterance, blessing as much as it teaches. The hearer islifted in the name of the Lord, the keeper of creation, the giver ofpeace, the one who longs to bless us such that He made it a command. As afather looks at his son and delights to find his own smile, so the Lordlifts his face to those He has made in his own image, shining upon thoseHe has called the "apple of his eye." His name is exalted, for it to beupon us is a great blessing, and in it, He is glorified.

But herein lies the potency of benediction. At the end of hisinstructions for the Aaronic blessing, God adds distinctly, "So shall theyput my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them" (v. 27). Whereas doxology is ascribing praise to God, and prayer is expressingoneself to God, a benediction is a word of blessing on behalf ofGod. The former rise from the heart of the saint, the other overflowsfrom the heart of God. As author and theologian Samuel Chadwick writes,"[T]he benediction does not approach the subject from the standpoint oftheology but of experience. It is not concerned with definition,nor does it contemplate the glory of God in the absoluteness of his deity;but it sets Him forth as He is realized in the soul."

Scattering benedictions, it seems, is a high calling, and I would add, aprecious gift given to each of us made in his image. The putting of God'sname upon one another as we go about life is our tongue's greatestutterance. It is a hopeful command, and our most uplifted effort. As hisname is set forth, not only is it God who does the blessing, it is God whois the fulfillment of the words we offer. He is Himself the blessing.

Therefore, may the blessing of the LORD be upon you, and may you know thejoy of putting his name upon others. For indeed blessed are those whowalk in the light of his face.

Jill Carattini is senior associate writer at Ravi ZachariasInternational Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

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