God's Benediction: The Overflow of His Life into Ours

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is the benediction of the Church. When a friend visits, we do not merely exchange outward gifts; we desire the overflow of his life into our own. So it is with Elohim. Suppose a man under the old law offered a lamb in sacrifice, yet his flocks did not increase. A wise friend might say to him, "God tests your love. If you truly loved the Almighty, you would offer even your last lamb, knowing it is better to possess the heavenly Friend than His property alone."

When we enter the church, Adonai entertains us and sends us forth with benediction. We arrive in different spiritual conditions. Some seek truth: in the sacred service, the heart recognizes what is certain and receives truth as a gift. Others believe yet are confounded, almost hopeless. When hope is spoken, the soul—like parched earth receiving spring rain—is revived. Hope itself becomes the gift. Still others, not without belief or hope, yearn for sympathy. When the spirit of truth breathes forth as love, and the heart is comforted, it has received love as a gift.

No man who rejoices in God's grace complains much of His providence. We leave the sanctuary with nothing in our hands, yet we depart with something in our hearts—faith replenished, hope restored, love confirmed. This is the benediction of the Church: the earnest prayer that Elohim grants His members His blessing.