Last Words

On Sunday, October 25, 2015, Darrell Holt, a preacher for the Figueroa Church of Christ in Los Angeles, preached his last sermon and spoke his last words.

As Darrell Holt neared the conclusion of his sermon, he stepped down out of the pulpit in front of the communion table and told the congregation that he needed to sit down. From the front pew, he managed to say the following, “If you’re not a Christian, say yes to him. You’ve heard the Word. Believe it. Repent of your sins, confess Christ, be baptized.”

Following this statement, he became unresponsive. Several members trained in medical emergencies attempted to resuscitate him, but to no avail. Darrell Holt was 59 years old, and his last words in this life told people what they must do to be saved.

We certainly want to pray for the Figueroa congregation and the friends and family of brother Holt. They have suffered a traumatic loss. But I have to think that their sadness is tempered by their trust in God’s faithfulness and his promises to those who love him. I can’t think of any better last words for a follower of Christ… “If you’re not a Christian, say yes to him. You’ve heard the Word. Believe it. Repent of your sins, confess Christ, be baptized.”

Friends, if your life suddenly came to an end right now, what would your last words have been?  Would they be words of profanity? Words of anger? Words of gossip? While few of us will have control over our last words in such a way that we can carefully plan them, we do have control to the extent that  our last words are not profane, but are words of kindness, love, grace, and Christ-honoring.

May our brother, Darrell Holt, remind us of the brevity and uncertainty of life. Let’s be so immersed in the work of our Lord that when it comes time for us to leave this world, we will be found doing a good work and speaking a good word for our Lord!