If “benediction” means the speaking of a blessing at the conclusion of a religious service, then this seems surely fitting for me as I reflect on this—in many ways—mysterious letter to the Hebrews. We don’t know who wrote it, though with all of its Old Testament quotations, we can glean that it was meant for early Christians with a Jewish background, or “Hebrews.” Which Hebrews who lived where we don’t know, nor does it really matter, as the message is clear that Jesus is superior to all of the revered holy ones of the Hebrew scripture—greater than prophets, priests, even than angels! The book seems to invite devout Christians of Jewish heritage to think of the most devout and Godly beings they can imagine and then to know that Jesus is greater than all of these put together! There is also the familiar New Testament encouragement for those being persecuted for the faith to hang in there with this all-powerful Jesus.

While you’re reading this, I’m in my last week on the territory of the NC Synod as bishop, and we’re looking forward to our new bishop (whose identity as of this writing is yet to be determined), so this Hebrews closing section or benediction seems particularly poignant for me. Next week we’ll be at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly (July 28-August 2) electing a new secretary and presiding bishop and voting on all sorts of other important matters, but I will pass the bishop’s cross there unceremoniously (the ceremony part will come November 15!) to the new bishop, even as Hebrews commends us all to keep the faith.

Our reading today contains a blessing that is directed to candidates at their ordination service, “May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ….” You know where else this is read within our liturgies? At the graveside committal service. Talk about your benediction in the sense of last words! In the meantime, I leave you with verse 23 of chapter 13. “I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released.”