Famous Last Words

      The Bible contains many “farewell addresses” or famous last words that teach us a lot about their character and what is truly important in life: Moses (Deuteronomy) warned the Israelites to remain faithful to the LORD; Joshua (23 & 24) urged the people to commit themselves wholly to the LORD; Samuel (12) warned the people to repent and not to forsake the LORD; David had last minute advice and warnings for his son Solomon, Israel’s next king; And Paul passed on last-minute advice to his young protege Timothy to help boost his ministry.

      Yet, I think the most useful last words were spoken to us by Jesus – while dying for us.  They are known as the “7 sayings from the cross.”  These short statements embody everything Jesus stood for and was known by.  Thus they are timeless truths for His disciples to be mindful of:

      1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34) 

            We are to be loving, merciful, and gracious to all – even our persecutors.

      2. “I tell you the truth, Today you will be with me in Paradise”  (Luke 23:43)

            Our mission is to bring lost souls back to God.

      3. “Dear woman, here is your son; “Here is your mother.”   (John 19:26-27)

            True religion is taking care of / serving those in need.

      4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34 from Psalm 22:1)

            Yearn for a close relationship with the Father.

      5. “I am thirsty”  (John 19:28 from Psalm 69:21)

            He was fully human; He faced suffering just like we all do.

      6. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46 from Psalm 31:5)

            Saving faith puts full trust in God’s care.

      7. “It is Finished!” (John 19:30)

            One word in the Greek; “All things are complete.”  He fulfilled His mission.

      But these really weren’t His last words, were they?  Three days after saying all of these things, He rose from the grave.  His empty tomb speaks.  For thousands of years it has been telling of resurrection to new life for all who are in Him.  It has been telling of the importance of His people being dedicated to true holiness.  It has been saying that He will return someday to take us home to be with the Father.  

      So then, Jesus’ famous last words are being lived out in the daily lives of every Christian.  In this way He continues to speak.  Be very sure that what those around you see and hear from you is what Jesus would want them to know – about how to be saved; how to live right with God; how to prepare for His return.  Make sure that Jesus’ famous last words of the cross continue to be heard so that the message of the empty tomb will live on to many more generations.

Doug