Preparing for the Lord's Day
Jesus is Better
This Sunday, we will conclude our sermon series through the book of Hebrews. The author ends his epistle in a traditional biblical manner—with a benediction. While the term "benediction" may seem like a simple well-wishing or an elegant farewell, it is profoundly more. It is a vehicle through which God bestows His blessing upon His people.
Consider the benediction given by the Lord to Moses for Aaron, the high priest, to bless the Israelites:
“The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them’” (Numbers 6:22–27 ESV).
At the end of each service, we too conclude with a benediction. This spoken promise is not merely a closing ritual but a declaration of God’s intent to bless us as we depart into the world. It reassures us of His ongoing promises and affirms our identity as His people.
This Sunday’s passage from Hebrews ends with a benediction that echoes the themes found in Numbers 6—themes of peace, blessing, promise, and identity. In our final exploration of Hebrews, we will discover how God promises to bring the work of salvation to completion in His people. He has planned, accomplished, and will fulfill our salvation.
As we receive this blessing, we are called to know the character of the Father, to trust in the work of the Son, and to yield to the power of the Spirit. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hebrews 13:20-25, Numbers 23:19, Psalm 103:8, John 10:17-18, Romans 8:13-14, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Galatians 5:16-17, Ephesians 1:7, and this article on the Covenant of Redemption.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Holy, Holy, Holy,” the Acclamation of Praise, “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners!” and the Hymn of Response “By Faith.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Hebrews 13:20-25
Title: Equipped
Outline:
- We Must Know the Character of the Father (v. 20a)
- We Must Trust the Work of the Son (v. 20b)
- We Must Yield to the Power of the Spirit (v. 21)