Issue 718 – Last Words – April 18, 2022
Do not be fooled by the title; Gleanings is not going anywhere. We plan to be around as long as God calls us to be here. The title comes from the fact that I thought about famous last words the other evening. Some of them are ironic, others profound.
American civil war general John Sedgewick: “They couldn’t hit an elephant at this dist–.” Whoops!
Peter Abelard, the famous 12th-century philosopher, after a lifetime of study and thought: “I don’t know.” The more we know, the more we learn that we do not know.
Queen Elizabeth 1: “All my possessions for a moment of time.” A little late to recognize that material goods do not replace other more valuable things
Thomas Beckett, early chancellor of England, shortly before being murdered by knights of King Henry II: “For the name of Jesus and the protection of the church I am ready to embrace death.” A martyr for the faith.
Musician Al Jolson: “This is it! I’m going. I’m going.” We all have to go sometimes.
American horticulturist Luther Burbank: “I don’t feel good.” Now we know why Luther.
Author, H.G. Wells; “Go away. I’m all right.” He was as wrong about that as he was about Christ.
Linguist and dictionary editor Joseph Wright
“Dictionary.” A man obsessed with his work.
French revolutionary George Jacques Danton: “Show my head to the people. It is worth seeing.” George had a colossal ego right until the end.
Basketball legend “Pistol” Pete Maravich collapsed during a game. His final utterance was: “I feel great.”
Perhaps, not so great there, Pete.
Blues singer Bessie Smith died saying, “I’m going, but I’m going in the name of the Lord.” That is a profound ending.
Many of the words of Jesus were recorded for us by the authors of Scripture. All the words he spoke are profound and inspired, but His final words on the cross strike a chord.
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46
Jesus closes His life with the words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to God the Father. We see his complete trust in his heavenly Father. Jesus entered death in the same way he lived each day, offering up his life as the perfect sacrifice and placing himself in God’s hands.
We would do well to emulate Jesus’ final words in our daily lives. Taking the time to remember God and praying is a great place to start the day. There is no better place than we can be than in the dead centre of God’s will.
Being in the centre of His will doesn’t mean things will always be easy. The narrow road is often difficult. Yet, our Lord is Sovereign, and He wants what is best for His children. His will may ordain tough times, but He will not leave us there.
The last words of Scripture are a blessing:
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. Revelation 22:21
Here is the whole promise of God encapsulated in a few words. God’s grace poured out on those who love Him. What a beautiful promise and ending.
Until next time, take some time to savour God’s wondrous grace.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
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