Harnessing the Power of Words | Part 5 | Final Words | Chris Voigt

Final Words
Harnessing the Power of Words
September 4, 2022

If the search engine results on ‘Famous Last Words’ are any indication, there is an enormous fascination with the final utterances of those who have died. So, what’s the big deal with last words? We spend all day, every day, speaking, thinking, and listening to words. From meaningless chatter, observations about the weather, and bad jokes, to friendly banter, productive dialog, and words of encouragement, we are constantly communicating, in one way or another. Why would last words be so significant?
 
What would you say if you had the luxury of knowing the next words you speak would be your last? And maybe that’s it... it would be a luxury, because, often, there’s no way to know.
 
In 1776, Revolutionary War spy Nathan Hale was hanged by the British after he was captured during a failed espionage mission in Long Island. He had a pretty good idea that his end was coming. His famous last words were, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
 
Drummer Buddy Rich died after surgery in 1987. As he was being prepped for surgery, a nurse asked him, “Is there anything you can’t take?” Rich replied, “Yeah, country music.” I’m with ya on that one, Buddy. But I wonder, might he have said something else if he’d had an inkling that those words would be his last?
 
In 2008, American rock and roll icon Bo Diddley, on his deathbed, died giving a thumbs-up as he listened to the song “Walk Around Heaven.” His last word was “Wow.”
 
Richard B. Mellon, a multimillionaire, was the president of American aluminum producing giant, Alcoa. He and his brother Andrew had a little game of tag going for about seven decades. As Richard was dying, he called his brother over and whispered, “Last tag.” Andrew remained “it” for four years, until he died. Richard’s last words seem carefully chosen.
 
I’m Chris Voigt, Lead Pastor at Dayspring Fellowship in Keizer, Oregon. We’re wrapping up our series, Harnessing the Power of Words, this Sunday. While I have no reason to believe this would be my final message, I do have the ‘luxury’ of knowing it Is the end of this series! I would venture to say that our words are one of the most powerful resources God has given us. I hope you’ll join us as we consider some final thoughts about how we can use our words to build up, encourage, bless, and bring life to the people around us. 
 
I hope you’ll join us as together we grow to be more like Jesus - harnessing the power of words and speaking hope and life into our world.