Many of us have witnessed the beauty of last words. Whether you had watched it on your favorite TV series, or you’ve seen it personally at the airport or hospital, final words are the ones most treasured. Most remembered.
We have somehow elevated the ‘last’ things in life. The last fried chicken should go to “bunso” (youngest) because he needs it more. The last quarter should be your highest sales. The last to come in at work will treat us this weekend.
My question is, with your encounters to the people you met today, (I’m not just talking about your mom who prepared for your breakfast but also the jeepney driver who inconveniently stopped for you or the server in the cafeteria you ate), what were your last words? Or did you utter any?
Personally, the last person I’d like to talk to before going to sleep is Sean. It almost always relaxes me to talk with him about my day and to hear him talk about his. In essence, this is almost always the last thing I do at night. And honestly, his last words “I love you, sleep well honey.”, are my welcome back to dreamland. These words are also fresh still on my mind when I wake up every morning. And of course, by God’s grace, I look forward to a beautiful new day ahead.
Recently, I went to the mall to check up on our displays. While in the restroom, I heard a mom loudly complaining about his daughter’s hygiene. She said, “You’re too old not to know this. How stupid can you get.” And the daughter after drying her hands, ran out to the restroom still smiling. I wonder how many times that mother have told her child this comment so that she can go out running with a smile? I also think about the impact this comment has brought about to this girl’s self-respect. Would she be successful and confident to face life’s challenges with this comment on her head? Maybe. But I don’t think she should carry this extra, unnecessary baggage.
I’m sure you have also experienced receiving comments, feedback that were poorly delivered. So much so that up to now you remember them and it brings you down. The impact of words lasts.
Jesus before being betrayed talked about servanthood. “And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. Mark 9:35-36
Jesus before His death spoke about forgiveness. “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” – Luke 23:34
Jesus in His final words to the disciples talked about love, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”-John 13:34-35
Jesus comforted His disciples by giving them hope through the Holy Spirit and assuring them of eternal life.
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” – John 14:6
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. – John 14:16
God wants to heal your wounds, comfort you when you’re being tried and encourage you when you’re beaten down. Remember Jesus’ last words. It is the voice of truth. And it is the only voice that will impact to eternity.
