As fall approaches, I recall taking our oldest daughter to college.
It is a big step as a parent to take your child to college. We hugged and started the drive home. I remember that drive clearly. I cried much of the way because I was thinking of missed times that I should have had with our daughter. Oh, yes we shared many good times, but there always could have been more.
Writer C. S. Lewis tells of having lunch with a friend. They were going to be leaving the city where they were having lunch. They both reassured each other that they would undoubtedly see each other again. They emptied their last cup of coffee and left.
C. S. Lewis watched his friend cross through the tariff to other side. When his friend was on the other side, he turned to wave. Lewis remembers his friend with a big grin shouting, “Christians NEVER say goodbye!”
That is a wonderful thought to remember. We NEVER say goodbye! There is really a great assurance in that thought. Walking with Jesus and accepting His eternal love, we never need to say “goodbye.” Walking with Jesus grants us the assurance of eternity.
Each Sunday, after joining together in fellowship singing praises to Jesus, praying together and hearing the word of God, we come to the end of the service. We are thinking getting to our cars, having lunch, and activities as we end the worship. Mostly likely, we don’t pause and reflect on the final words that our worship leader states to us. Many churches call this the benediction.
Throughout the Bible there are a number of benedictions that can be found — just Google benediction to see. The benediction gives us support to go forth with Jesus to the new week.
Jude 1: 24 – 25 presents an often used benediction. Now to Him who is able to keep you from slipping and to make you stand unblemished and exultant before His glory — to the only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and for all time. Amen. (Moffatt translation)
As you read this benediction, it is not a goodbye! It is a joyful reminder that Jesus will be with us in the coming days. It assures us of His eternal faith in the coming time. It assures us that He is our savior and holds glory, majesty, dominion and authority for all times.
The benediction may not be easily heard. Next time, as you finish your worship, do not let your mind wonder to other things. Hear the everlasting and eternal promise that is given to each of us as we finish the time of worship.
Remember there are never goodbyes with Jesus.