The Bible Edge
Random Thoughts of a Spiritual Nature II
Acts 20:25
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
There will be a last time. As sure as there was a first time, there will be a last time. Paul told the leaders of the church at Ephesus that this would be the last time they would see his face. He would soon go to Rome, and in time would be martyred. Their response to this sad news was weeping, hugging, and affectionately demonstrating their love for him.
So, too, you will face a time that is the last time. The last time to see your loving spouse, a parent, a child, a dear friend, or perhaps a pastor. The only difference in the last times of our life and the last time of Paul’s followers was they knew we do not. How many last times have come without any forewarning? Frankly we don’t know the last time we will see our loved one. Hopefully that last time is years away, decades away, but then it could be today. In light of this, what can we do?
One thing we can do is to make sure every time we say goodbye that it is with an eye toward the truth that it may be the last time we say goodbye. This would mean that one is careful with their words. Words said in anger would be horrible words for the last words. Silence could be just as difficult. Embrace, exchange loving words, look each other in the eye and leave a good impression, for it may be the last impression. These are good hints for the one saying goodbye, but what about the one leaving?
Since there will be a last time, live all the time like it is the last time. If you have time, go back and read Acts 20:18-25 as it concerns Paul’s testimony of his time with those in Ephesus. No wonder they were sad to know this is the last time they would see him. A good life habit to get into is the habit of living like this is the last time you’ll see the co-worker, the boss, the spouse, the parent, the child, the friend, everyone everywhere. Daily live in such a way as when you are gone you will be missed.
Anyway, there will be a last time. Therefore, try to make every goodbye, like it may be the last goodbye and live every day like it is the last day. For one day it will be.
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
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