Our Worship: 2) The Salutation: Last week we saw that the “Votum” (“call”) is the part of the worship service in which the preacher declares on behalf of the congregation its call to worship, its confession that “our help is in the name of the Lord.” That expression of faith in the Lord’s name is followed by a part of the worship service in which the preacher declares on behalf of the Lord His greeting. With this Salutation the Lord announces that He is present with His Covenant people. He “salutes” them: the Salutation. When Jesus, the risen Lord, met with the disciples He said: “Peace be unto you.” (Luke 24:36) Because of His Cross, the presence of God comes with a message of peace; and by faith in His Son there is assurance of peace. The words of the Salutation are taken from the greetings found in the New Testament. For example: “Grace, mercy and peace be with you, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord, through the work of the Holy Spirit. Amen” (cf. 1 Tim.1:2, 2Tim.1:2) or “Grace be unto you and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne; And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of earth. Amen” (Rev.1:4,5a). Other words could be used like Romans 1:7, 2 Peter 1:2. This is a benedictory greeting in the name of the Lord. The Triune God, who has promised to be in the gathering of His people, with His love and grace, greets His Church. It would seem obvious then that the symbolism of the hands of the presenter should take on the form of a greeting, in distinction from that of the benediction, which is the parting benediction at the end of the service. As we think about the Salutation, it represents the wonder of the Gospel summarized in the word “Peace” (Shalom). The Holy God of Heaven is willing to be present with a sinful people, and He comes, not with words of wrath and destruction, but with words offering grace and peace. May His grace and peace enter our hearts as we meet with Him.