Race, Justice and Gospel Music - Seth PinnockSample

The Benediction (Now Unto Him)

In traditional church services amongst the Black Pentecostal communities, it was common to end proceedings with something known as ‘The Benediction’. ‘The Benediction’ would often be drawn directly from Scripture and said as a blessing over the congregation as they left their Sundays to go into a new week of routine and challenges alike. Rooted in Ephesians 3 and Luke 6:38, this song is a melodious ode to the age-old tradition of that very same Benediction!

The Benediction tells out the generosity of our God. In the divine economy, God is overspilling love - whose grace and abundance cannot be captured by our speech or imaginations. When you receive more than you can contain in your open hands, so that it spills into your lap - Jesus tells us that this is the portion for those who have given in the same measure. Yet, this God of generous measures is able to do immeasurably more! We need only look in Scripture to see how much more.

The gift of grain from Boaz to Ruth, becomes the gift to Boaz of a family. The barley loaves which a young boy gives up becomes the feast which feeds five thousand with ample left over. These stories of bread find their fulfillment in Jesus - who was Ruth and Boaz’s descendant, and who was the one who blessed the boy’s food. For it is Jesus who is the bread of life. He invites us to find our whole satisfaction in Him alone, and to trust His material provision. 

Faithfully provided for, did you know that with our abundance and more we have an opportunity, as well as a responsibility to care for the least of those depending upon the provision of a generous giver? The orphan, the widow, the impoverished (James 1:27).

According to the World Bank , people earning less than $1.90 a day  are living in poverty - and nearly 700 million people  worldwide live below that margin. May this knowledge reawaken our duty as the Church to put ‘The Benediction’ not just into song and praise, but into action also - giving generously of what we have, where we can. 

As we serve this God and care for His people, God works our love for His glory. Indeed, Paul says that this glory is “throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” Almost seventy generations since Jesus rose again in power and victory, may divine glory shine out for all to see through your witness, your charity and your faithfulness. For it is God’s power at work in us which will sustain us, and change the world around us.