Final Words

I was reading an article by Steve Herzig (Christian Friends of Israel). It was about the last words of the dying. He quotes:

“Dr. Simran Malhotra, a hospice and palliative care specialist, interacts with dying patients all the time and says death is a great teacher, providing lessons and perspective on life. In an interview published in Health Digest titled "What most People Say Before They Die," she cited three common regrets:

(1) not spending enough time with loved ones, including years lost with a loved one due to a trivial disagreement

 (2) spending too much time at work

(3) lacking the courage to pursue one's passions.”

It led to thinking about my own death and how will I face it. What will my last words be?

In turning to the Scriptures, we can see the last words of many. Here are some for thought:

Joseph spoke of the future promises of God to Israel,

“Genesis 50:24 “When Joseph was near death, he said to his brothers, "My time to die is almost here. But I know that God will take care of you and lead you out of this country. God will lead you to the land he promised to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."”

Jacob/Israel Blessed each of his sons and prophesied their future:

Genesis 48

A father’s advice to his son:

1 Kings 2:14 “The time came for David to die, so he gave these commands to Solomon, “I am about to die, like all men must. But you are growing stronger and becoming a man.  Now, carefully obey all the commands of the LORD your God. Carefully obey all his laws, commands, decisions, and agreements. Obey everything that is written in the Law of Moses. If you do this, you will be successful at whatever you do and wherever you go. And if you obey the LORD, he will keep his promise about me. He said, 'If your sons carefully live the way I tell them, sincerely, with all their heart, the king of Israel will always be a man from your family.'"

Forgiveness for enemies:

Acts 7:60  “He [Stephen] fell on his knees and shouted, "Lord, don't blame them for this sin!" These were his last words before he died.”

Ananias and Sapphira lied to God about their money. A harsh lesson:

Acts 5:8-10  Peter said to her, "Tell me how much money you got for your field. Was it this much?" Sapphira answered, "Yes, that was all we got for the field."  Peter said to her, "Why did you and your husband agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! Do you hear those footsteps? The men who buried your husband are at the door. They will carry you out in the same way."  At that moment Sapphira fell down by his feet and died. The young men came in and saw that she was dead. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.”

A repented thief:

Luk 23:42-43 “And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.””

And we must then note the final words of Jesus before His death:

John 19:30 “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

The last of the things people spoke of regretting at the hospice was “ lacking the courage to pursue one's passions”.

Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

May God stir us up with passion for Him and his fellowship…..as the day drawing near is not only that of the end times, but our own death. Every day we are closer to that. Let us be able to utter the words of Polycarp, who was asked to deny Jesus, "Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?"

May the first words we hear after death be “Well done good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)