PARTING WORDS

Many times I have seen the wisdom of someone's last words given the utmost attention and consideration. Within our culture, whether it be due to movies, television or other influences - the words of people departing are valued highly. Whether the person is leaving for a short while, an extended period of time or on their deathbed - Parting Words hold a lot of weight. This got me thinking about Christ's Parting Words to His Disciples.

Luke says right off the bat in the first chapter of Acts that "After his suffering, he [Christ] presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:3) In fact, the last day before Jesus ascended to the right hand of Father God, according to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus spoke to His Disciples about disbelief, his mission as fulfilled prophecy and the sending of The Promise - The Holy Spirit (Luke 24:36-53).

Again, Luke in Acts 1:4-5 attests to the Lord speaking about the sending of Father God's Promise - The Holy Spirit. However, here Luke records a little more detail. He said, to their question of “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” - “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Lord answers their question and adds to it. The Disciples where told the dates and times were not for them to know. However, instruction for right now and for the immediate future is to receive the power of the Holy Spirit I am sending you and be my witnesses locally, regionally and nationally. He answered their question and gave them something to do in the meantime or until further notice.

Even after this awesome Commission, Jesus still had some Parting Words. These words, however, were not recorded. In the Gospel of Luke the account is rendered -  "When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. (Luke 24:50-51) A fitting example of how we should leave the presence of another even if it is for a short time. Paul encourages us in Ephesians 4:26 that if we are at odds or angry with someone - make it right with them quickly, even before the ending of that day. Paul says, it like this - “'In your anger do not sin' : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,..." So, take your example from Jesus as He left His Disciples and left this earth - season with love; fill with blessings - your Parting Words.