Chaplains Len Patterson and David Chaltas
To Bid Adieu!
By
David Chaltas, Chaplain - Army of Tennessee
Len Patterson, Chaplain - Army of Trans-Mississippi
Friends, have you ever wondered what your last words will be? Have you ever thought of that precious moment when your time on Earth is over and the significance of your final words? Will they be reflective of your life? Elizabeth Kubler Ross studied people dying and made a startling discovery. She learned that it was those who felt they had not lived at all, who cried the loudest. Oh how sad it is, to come to the point of death and realize you have never really lived. This is how Thoreau felt as he lay dying, and it is so true.
Jesus tells us in John 10:10, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." But, perhaps it was Thoreau and those like him that Jesus had in mind when He said in John 5:40, "And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."
Recently, a dear friend was devastated by the loss of his father, but stated that his father's last words were reciting John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." What a wondrous testimony of love, hope, and faith. He offered his firm belief that he would have eternal life and passed it on to his family, beseeching them to follow his example.
This might cause us to think about those who have gone on before and their last words. When T.J. "Stonewall" Jackson was informed of his impending death, he stated that he always desired to die on Sunday. His last words, reflecting his belief in the transition from this world into the next, were: "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees." General Lee also gave a testimony of life eternal with his last words, as he said, "Strike the tent!" This was a commander's order for the army to pack up and move to the next location. Lee was simply saying that he was moving from this world, through the turbid cloak, and would be camping on sacred soil with his Lord. What a testimony!
General Stuart spoke his last words on May 12, 1864, reaffirming his belief in eternal life through Christ. Ministers sang "Rock of Ages" as he said, "I am going fast now. I am resigned; God's will be done." Convinced of God's providence, Senator John C. Calhoun stated as he passed from this life, "The South! The poor South! God knows what will become of her." After sinking the USS Housatonic, the Huntley signaled Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island and then sank straight to a watery grave. The message was, "Mission Accomplished!"
Mission Accomplished! This statement reminds us of another mission that was accomplished, one which affects every man and woman. This mission was undertaken by a son out of love, not only love for his father, but love for you and me, and all poor souls being lost. His last words changed the very history of the world.
The greatest and most significant last words of all came from a carpenter named Jesus. As He was suspended between heaven and earth, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords stated, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46) And in John 19:30, He cries, "It is finished!" I have accomplished what you sent me to do. It is finished! He sends His spirit back to the Father. It is finished! His ending was our beginning. His last words breathed life into our souls, and now we can touch eternity. We can share His glory because of the manner in which He bid adieu.
The time for life and living is this day, for we have no guarantee of another. When we cross that great divide we can have eternal life as saved souls, or eternal death in the lake of fire. The Scripture tells us, "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21) Then He will be with you to guide you through this life and into the next.
This day my friend, at this very moment, fall on your knees before God and ask Him to come into your heart and be the guardian of your soul through eternity. So, when your time does come to leave this world, He will give you the words for your final adieu. Trusting in His love and wisdom to bless you in all things, we bid you adieu. Chaplains David Chaltas and Len Patterson