God Is...

Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
 
MINISTERS of God’s Word often use this passage as a benediction. A benediction is a blessing that spiritually places God’s character into a person. It is common in churches to use the benediction to send people on their way with a sense of God going with them. In this benediction, let’s understand who God is.
   God is peace. He created the world for all to be in union. His plan is to return the world to the orderly perfect creation: Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
   God is a covenant ruler. He makes promises. The Son came from heaven to promise that all who confess faith in Jesus’ body broken and his blood shed will be saved.
   God is resurrection. He brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ resurrection is the blessing of eternal life. Jesus is the firstborn from the dead that al in him may have eternal life: Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.  
   God is the great Shepherd of the sheep: Revelation 7:17 “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” He leads his own, and we are to follow only the Good Shepherd’s voice.
   God is generous. He equips you with everything good for doing his will. Each Christian is given particular spiritual gifts to make God known. God blesses us to use his good gifts to advance God’s will.
   God is a worker. Through his Holy Word, God works in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
   God is glory. He will reveal his power and majesty to the entire world: Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.  
   God is the Amen. When we say, “Amen.” we usually mean, “May it be true.” Amen also defines God as the supreme ruler, director of all things:  2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.  
   When you receive a benediction from Scripture, know you have received a blessing to live into God’s character. And may your life reveal God’s character to those around you.