First sentence: The last words of a hero or heroine in a story pack a punch. The final chapter of a book ties up loose ends. Epitaphs and eulogies have a summarizing power. Phone calls, visits, and whispers of those on hospice become riches locked away in the fading memories of those left behind. Jesus shared seven last thoughts as he died that contain a wealth of meaning we should not forget or neglect. This book seeks to mine those words to challenge the soul.
My favorite devotionals tend to be short devotionals. Not those that span an entire year, but those that can be picked up and treasured ANY time of the year. Last Words is a short read--under a hundred pages--but its packed with treasures. Nash is closely examining the last words of Jesus Christ on the cross. And believers could profit from such a close study of their Savior's last words.
Each saying gets its own chapter. Two chapters are much longer than the others. These happened to be my favorites. But really all of the chapters are GOOD. Each chapter is broken into sections: "See Your Need," "See Jesus," "Come Near to God," and "Go To Others."
So as a refresher course....Here are Jesus’s seven last statements made while on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:26–27). “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). “I thirst” (John 19:28). “It is finished” (John 19:30). “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46).
This book would make a wonderful gift to a friend or a lovely treat for yourself. You could read it at any time but it might mean the most to you during Advent or Passion Week.
© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible
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