Page 28 - April2015-Catalyst

faMous final WorshiP
We’ve all heard ofsome “famous last words” uttered in the final moments oflife. HereareafewIfoundrecently:
•On his deathbed, the famous actor Hum- phrey Bogart uttered these final reflections: “I should never have never switched from Scotch to Martinis.” Profound.
•James French, a convicted murderer, was sentenced to the electric chair. He shouted these words to members of the press who were to witness his execution: “Hey, fellas! How about this for a headline for tomorrow’s paper? ‘French Fries!’”
•James Rodges, a convicted murderer, on be- ing asked for a final request before a firing squad: “Why, yes! A bulletproof vest.” •Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa said as he expired, “Don’t let it end like this. Tell them I said something...”
Paul’s final refleCtions
At the end of his fruitful and influential life the Apostle Paul wrote some final reflections. Under the shadow of the axe that would soon cut ofhis head, he penned the book of2 Timothytohis“soninthefaith”. Inthefinal chapter of the book, most of his final reflec - tionsareaboutpeople. AsJohnMacArthur notes, “He’s like an old coach turning over his team to a young coach who wants the young coach to know where everybody plays so he
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can step in as the team leader with a mini- mum of trauma and difficulty.”
Paul writes of some whom he hoped would come quickly to see him before his death. He sends simple greetings to some beloved friends and co-workers. He sends other greet- ings to Timothy from those who were with Paul in Rome. He writes specifically of some that had wounded, disappointed, and de- serted him. What is on his mind is people because they are our ultimate trophies in ministry. Relationships are vital and mark us deeply, for pleasure and for pain, even to the final moments of life.
Paul’s faMous last WorshiP
Then, with the last stream of ink he would ever utilize, Paul turns his thoughts to the Lordandhishearttowardheaven. Hewrites, “But the Lord stood with me and strength- ened me, so that through me the proclama- tion might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:17-18).
I call this Paul’s “famous last worship” and I pray it will encourage your heart as you reflect with me.
April 2015