Don’t be fooled by the title; Gleanings isn’t 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 are ironic; others profound.
American Civil War General John Sedgwick was killed at the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse on May 9, 1864, by a long-range shot from a sharpshooter. He is remembered for his final words, “They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.
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 Becket, 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.
Author H.G. Wells: “Go away. I’m all right.” He was as wrong about that as he was about Christ.
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.
Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 ESV
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 center of God’s will.
Being in the center 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 all. Amen. Revelation 22:21 ESV
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 savor God’s wondrous grace.
Kevin.
SUMMARY
I’ve been thinking about famous last words lately, from generals to queens to musicians. Comparing them to Jesus’ final words on the cross, only one offers real hope.
TAKEAWAY
Queen Elizabeth realized too late that “material goods do not replace other, more valuable things” — you don’t have to wait until your final hour to act on that.
Jesus’ final words were trust, not fear: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” That’s the same trust you’re called to live out now, not just at the end.
Scripture’s own last words are a promise for you: God’s grace poured out on those who love Him.