I remember talking with a friend in his final days of battling pancreatic cancer. With a smile he said, “It looks like I am going to be the first one in our small group to get promoted.” That was the last time I got to talk with my friend but the perspective he had has stuck with me to this day.
When was the last time you met with someone, maybe a friend or parent in the hospital, knowing it would be the last time you would see them in this world? Missionaries going into remote areas of the world often say goodbye to family knowing it may very well be the last time they see them. What is your perspective on ‘Last Time’ meetings?
These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. - John 14:25-27. Jesus was preparing His disciples for what was ahead, that He would not abandon them. Rather, the Father will send the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. - Acts 1:7-9. This was Jesus’ last time to meet with His disciples. His ascension marked the end of His journey on this earth and the beginning of theirs. And 10-days later, When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit… - Acts 2:1-4 From this day forward, the disciples treated every day as if it was the last time they might get to share the good news of Jesus’ life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension or show love to a neighbor. It was urgent business because Jesus could come back at any moment! Now, nearly 2000 years later, that sense of urgency has tempered. What would a ‘Last Time’ mindset look like? I pray it would reflect Jesus the Christ better than I do today.
Tips for reflecting Jesus the Christ the Last Time:
- Kiss your bride when either of you leave the house and when you return home;
- Pray the Lord will open your heart and mind anew to the Holy Spirit;
- Be vulnerable and real in relationships;
- Introduce spiritual perspectives in discussions around cultural norms;
- Love as Christ loved; Lead as He led; Serve as He served; and pray as He prayed.
Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for Your word and the love it exudes. I confess I have had little concern for others and maintained a pretty good front to keep others from being concerned about me. Forgive me. Open my heart anew to the Holy Spirit and help me be real in relationships You bring into my life. Grant me strength to love, lead, serve and pray as You exemplify throughout Scripture. That is the dad You call me to be, and that is the dad my kids need to see. Amen.
A faithful father reflects Jesus the Christ with a ‘Last Time’ mindset.
