A benediction is as though God stamps us afresh with the word that He is our God and we are His people. You see, this good word is not a prayer—an offering up our desires to God for things agreeable to His will. Neither is it a doxology—our eruption of praise to the God of our salvation. A benediction is God’s assurance of His promises. It’s God expression to us of His favor.

In John 4:23, Jesus conveys one of the most arresting statements made in Scripture. The Father is seeking worshipers. How is He seeking them? He’s seeking them through the gospel of Jesus. Jesus offers living water (John 4:10, 14), water that purifies and satisfies, even to the likes of this Samaritan woman. All who believe in Jesus are cleansed of sin and consecrated in Christ. As those rescued from sin and falsehood by His initiating grace, we are made worshipers. There is a sense in which believers worship in all that we do. All life is lived to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). But there’s another sense in which worship is a designated activity of the gathered people of God (Heb. 12:28). We assemble according to biblical mandate (Heb. 10:25) and we offer our sacrifice of praise (Heb. 13:15). We enter into His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise (Ps. 100:4).

However, in this worship of God, while we offer our praise for His mercy, God still takes the initiative. He calls us into His presence (Ps. 100:2). He speaks His word of peace in preaching (Eph. 2:17). He sends us out with His blessing (Num. 6:24–26). In the worship of God, we don’t waltz into His royal courts as though we have an inherent right to be there. Like the king with Esther, our God extends His scepter to us. He has called us into fellowship with Jesus (1 Cor. 1:9), and He likewise calls us to come before Him (Ps. 134:1). Imagine that—sinners invited to God’s throne room, sinners welcomed to the heavenly Jerusalem. In this moment of worship, we are caught up to Mount Zion and join our voices in praise with innumerable angels and the spirits of the righteous made perfect (Heb. 12:22–23). Oh, that this moment of heavenly entry could last forever! One day it will (Rev. 21:3–4).

But for now, in this fallen world, where worship is a reprieve and refreshment for weary souls, God not only calls us to enter His presence, but He also sends us out with His blessing.

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