DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LAST WORDS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – FINAL WORDS

"Now there are the last words of David." (II Samuel 23:1)

We see them in movies and on television, especially in the old western films. The person lays dying, and with his final breath, speaks what is most important to him.

I have often wondered what my dying words would be. Would they be words of regret? Would they be words of admonition to those who are left? Would they be words of hope and comfort? I don't know. I don't have the script.

I do know that there are many famous quotations of famous men's last words.  According to a Google search, Frank Sinatra said, "I'm losing it." Benjamin Franklin's last words were, "A dying man can do nothing easy." Murderer James W. Rodgers, who was in front of a firing squad for execution was asked his last request. His reply: "Bring me a bullet-proof vest." Groucho Marx said, "This is no way to live!" Winston Churchill's parting words were, "I'm bored with it all." Joan Crawford yelled at her housekeeper who was praying for her, "Don't you dare ask God to help me!" Emily Dickinson's last words were, "I must go in, for the fog is rising."

We often think that our last words would be grand thoughts. But in looking at some of these examples, they are usually mundane. But listen to David's last words. "The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue" (vs. 3). I would desire that my final words would be words of praise to the Savior. I would like to have His word on my tongue.

Now is a good time to start. Why wait until the last breath? Let my tongue speak praises to God. As King David sang, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1). If I am continually blessing the Lord, then maybe my last words will be praise to Him.

Love, Dad