More Last Words

There are others in the Bible whose last words are recorded for our learning. Some seem to be reflections of wasted lives and missed opportunities as conveyed in Jacob's parting words, "Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been." Gen. 47:9.
Others have great towering words of positive thoughts reflecting on a mission fulfilled The Apostle Paul was such an example. Hear now his words as he surveyed his path of service, accompanied as it was with much physical suffering and pain, and decide whether it was worth it all. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day." 2 Tim. 4:7,8. "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." 2 Tim. 1:12.
These are not the words of one contemplating a leap in the dark, as some have erroneously thought when the final journey is about to begin as the last breath is being drawn. No, he says with full assurance, "I know." He has heard the skeptics and rejected their vain philosophy. And now when his course has been run, he is fully persuaded as to the truth of God as revealed in Christ Jesus. May it be so with everyone that has read these lines.