With this devotional, we are concluding our almost two-year study of the whole Bible, the Gospel of Matthew and the Letter to the Romans! Next, we will be talking about the spiritual disciplines. But today, savor and delight in the fact that we’ve walked together through Scripture both broadly and in depth. Now to our last chapter of Romans and the last words that are there.
The very end of Paul’s letter to the Romans has a final worshipful word that has been called a doxology and a benediction. It reminds his readers, as he parts from them, of the amazing grace that God has lavished on those who love him, the gospel which is in the process of being shared with the world, and the wisdom of God which has brought all this about.
A doxology is a written or sung piece that gives praise and glory to God. Doxa is a Greek word meaning glory and Logos means a word. So, doxologies are glory words.
A benediction is a blessing, usually at the end of worship. Bene means good and Diction means speaking, so a benediction is a good word!
Generally, doxologies are pointed towards God and benedictions are spoken as though God is blessing the gathered people. Doxologies help us to appreciate the wonders of God, and benedictions prepare us to be a blessing to those we meet after worship. They fill us with a sense of God’s presence and purpose in our lives.
I love the way Paul’s doxology/benediction unrolls as majestically as a trumpet fanfare: “Now to him who is able to strengthen you…according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages, but has now been disclosed…and made known to all nations.” The scope and power of God’s work on our behalf is almost too huge to articulate (and it is true that Paul’s grammar here is a bit hard to follow.)
Paul has greeted and blessed all kinds of people in this chapter, pointing out their hard work, kinship, and giftedness for ministry and their unique place in the church of Rome. In this last word, he is unifying them (and us, his readers in 2023) in praising God who has in his wisdom, revealed his Son and the good news that in Him is peace and salvation.
Last words always remind me of my father’s benediction, which people are still using and requesting 24 years after he died. That blessing has a life of its own. It is the only benediction I have by heart, and when I raise my hands to bless you and begin those last words, I feel as though I stand in a long line of saints and apostles who have pointed us to the goodness of God, the mercy of Jesus Christ, who walks with us every day, to comfort, strengthen and guide us, who has called us not servants but friends, and whose mighty friendship sends us out refreshed and ready for our world.
Doxologies and benedictions are important parts of our faith life. And you can do them too. Praise God for all his wonders and remind others of the blessings of God on their lives.