Famous Last Words

Famous last words can be telling. You should google “famous last words” the next time you feel in the mood for some light entertainment... or not! Some vary from the unfortunate – “they couldn’t hit an elephant at this dist....aaaargh” (spoken by General John Sedgewick, a Union Commander who was shot during the US Civil War) – to the surprising – “I am not the least afraid to die” (Charles Darwin) – to the downright ineffective – “Let’s cool it brothers...” (Malcolm X talking to his assassins, 3 men who shot him 16 times).

                In preparing for Christmas a few days ago, I read the account of Jesus’ birth in Luke’s gospel. I was inspired by the words of the old man Simeon who had been waiting for the rescue of Israel and found it in a strange place – the arms of a teenager from Nazareth. Simeon took Jesus, and cradling Him, he praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation...” (Luke 2:29). These would make pretty cool famous last words. They are a testimony to the reliability of God’s rescue plan. Though his death was close, Simeon was at peace because the Spirit had assured him of eternal life through the tiny baby he dandled on his knees.

                Simeon is described by Luke as a person who was both righteous and devout (v25). He obeyed God’s code of conduct; he had great respect and reverence for God, and so he ordered his life accordingly. This was a man who structured his life AROUND God rather than trying to fit God into the gaps. God was not a “clip-on” to Simeon’s life. Consequently, Simeon’s life declared the supreme value of YHWH. But his death would declare the supreme value of Christ.

                The story goes that when Karl Marx was about to die, his housekeeper urged him to tell her his last words so that she could record them for posterity. He snapped at her, “go on, get out – last words are for fools that haven’t said enough!” I think Marx was only partly right. Yes, I want my entire life to declare the supreme value of Christ. But, by God’s grace, I also want to have a final say through my dying. I hope that both my living and my dying will point others to Jesus the great rescuer.