Have you read the book, “The Last Lecture?” If not, I recommend an afternoon in front of a fire place taking it in. The following is an excerpt from the introduction of the book.
“I have an engineering problem. While for the most part I’m in terrific physical shape, I have ten tumors in my liver and I have only a few months left to live. I am a father of three young children, and married to woman of my dreams. While I could easily feel sorry for myself, that wouldn’t do them, or me, any good. So how to spend my very limited time? The obvious part is being with, and taking care of, my family. While I still can, I embrace every moment with them. The less obvious part is how to teach my children what I would have taught them over the next twenty years. “All parents want to teach their children right from wrong, what we think is important, and how to deal with the challenges life will bring. We also want them to know some stories from our own lives. My desire to do that led me to give a “last lecture” at Carnegie Mellon University. Under the ruse of giving an academic lecture, I was trying to put myself in a bottle that would one day wash up on the beach for my children. I lectured about the joy of life, about how much I appreciated life. I talked about honesty, integrity, gratitude and other things I hold dear. And I tried very hard not to be boring.”
What wisdom would you impart to the world if you knew it was your last chance? What words would you say? What would you want your children to know? What would you want to express to your spouse and friends? What would be most important?
The Bible is full of “Last Lectures.” Moses shares his parting words with the nation he loved in Deuteronomy 30:15-20. Joshua’s final stirring words are recorded in Joshua 24:14-15. Who can forget the words, “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord?” David leaves a passionate charge with his son Solomon in 1 Kings 2:1-4. Solomon also shared some final words. After embarking on the quest of all quests to find purpose and meaning in life, Solomon comes to an important conclusion. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 shares his important epiphany. Before Jesus ascends to heaven to be “at the right hand of God” He gives the apostles His parting words recorded by Matthew in Matthew 28:18-20.
Read each of these “Last Lectures.” Examine the final words shared by Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon and Jesus. What does each of these lectures have in common? An examination of the parting words of each of these individuals reveals what’s most important. We should make our lives about fearing God and keeping His commandments.
What wisdom would you share with your loved ones if you knew it was your last chance? I hope my words would be similar to the last words of Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon and Jesus. Keep walking each day with God!
