Last Words

~ Consider These Last Recorded Words ~

“I told you I was sick!” is one of my favorite epitaphs on a gravestone.  

 In 2 Chronicles 21:20 we read these tragic words: “Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.  He passed away, to no one's regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.”

Have you ever wondered how you will be remembered?  Have you wondered what your last words on earth will be?  Here are the last recorded words from five New Testament people.

James  ~  “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).  James last thoughts were regard to bringing others to Christ.

Jesus  ~  “And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.  But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth’” (Acts 1:7-8).  Jesus’ last words were also with regard to witnessing to others and bringing them to salvation.  But in this case He promises us divine power for the job.

Jude  ~  “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.  Amen.” (Jude 24-25).  Again we have a reminder of divine power who will finish the work He has started in us and bring us safely to our eternal home.

John  ~  “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’  Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus!  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.”  (Revelation 22:20-21).  John reminds us of the great grace with we continually receive and also that the time will come without warning when all will be ushered into eternity.

Peter  ~  “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and forever.  Amen” (2 Peter 3:17-18).  Peter reminds us of our responsibility to put ourselves in environments where we can grow and our responsibility to grow.  Finally, he reminds us of the greatness of the One we are privileged to serve.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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