"Now may the God of peace..."
Text: Hebrews 13:20
REASONS FOR LONGER BENEDICTIONS
A number of reasons may be suggested as to why longer benedictions were pronounced! The following may be highlighted:-
1. To express a strong link to the God who gave the Aaronic blessing.
a) Both the Old and New Testament own the same God.
b) He is Father:-
i) Of Israel
ii) Of Jesus
iii) Of all who believe in Christ as Saviour
2. To include the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ
a) As One equal to the Father.
b) As One who is able to fulfill the pronouncement of blessings.
c) As Saviour.
d) As Lord.
e) As Giver
i) Of grace
ii) Of peace
3. Reflection of the significance of the written material in the book.
a) What the writer had written had a subtle but profound influence on the pronouncement of the long benedictions.
b) The contents of the book of Hebrews reflected deep understanding of both God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
c) Hence it is logical to assume that the writer had been deeply impacted by the very truth he had expounded- and that in turn affected the pronouncement of his benediction!