Final Words

We’ve walked through the final moments of Jesus, Stephen, and Apostle Paul. Now we go back to the Old Testament, to a shepherd who became a king – David. His life was marked by triumph and tragedy, worship and warfare, deep repentance and even deeper love for God. He wrote the longest chapter in the bible and named a man after God’s own heart. When we think of David’s final moments, we’re not looking at a man in a courtroom or a prison. We’re looking at a king on his deathbed, reflecting on a life of victories, sins, songs, and lessons. And like any man nearing the end, he has something to say something worth holding on to. King David’s Final Days The Bible records David’s last moments in 1 Kings 2 and 2 Samuel 23. By now, his body is failing, but his spirit is still strong. He calls for Solomon, the son chosen to sit on the throne, and begins to speak—not with royal ceremony, but with the heart of a father, a warrior, and a servant of God. “When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son…” (1 Kings 2:1) 1. “Be strong, act like a man”  “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man (1 Kings 2:2) This isn’t toxic masculinity – it’s a father telling his son, lead with courage. David knows what lies ahead. Ruling isn’t easy. The weight of leadership, the burden of justice, and the temptation to drift from God are all real. So his first instruction is strength not from pride, but from conviction. There will come a time when you and i have to rise and take our place. David’s last words are the words we all long to hear from our fathers, it is more important in this generation where homosexuality has become the norm. Lesson for Us:There’s a time to be gentle, and a time to stand firm. In your faith, in your calling, and in your life—be strong. Lean into God for your strength (Psalm 18:1). 2. “Observe what the Lord your God requires” and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go (1 Kings 2:3) David points Solomon not to strategies, but to Scripture. The foundation of a successful life is obedience to God. That includes walking in His ways, keeping His statutes, and staying faithful. David survived, reign and was successful because he had God at the center. Yes he fell into temptation but he always found his way back to God. He lets us know before his death that true success comes from following God’s decrees and his commands. “Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.” (1 Kings 2:3b) Lesson for Us:Success isn’t measured by fame or wealth, but by faithfulness. Align your steps with God’s Word—because true prosperity begins with obedience. 3. David’s Prophetic Last Words In 2 Samuel 23, David offers a poetic and prophetic reflection: “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue… He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” (2 Samuel 23:2–3) David recognises that his words, songs, and leadership were God-inspired. But he also warns: those who rule must do so in reverence, not recklessness. This is echo by his son, King Solomon in proverbs 25:5. remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. (Proverbs 25:5) Lesson for Us:Whether you lead a household, a team, or just your own life—lead with fear of the Lord. Seek justice. Speak truth. Honour God in every decision. 4. Unfinished Business Before David dies, he also gives Solomon practical instructions – some concerning matters of justice involving Joab and Shimei (1 Kings 2:5–9). This part can feel uncomfortable. Why does David bring these up? Because unfinished business can grow into future problems. David is not seeking revenge, he is ensuring justice and setting Solomon up with clarity. He doesn’t want his son to inherit unresolved messes. This applies to us even handling over roles, leaderships or projects in real life. He warns Solomon to be careful of certain people who would try to cause problems for him. It does not matter who you are or what you want to, there will always be people seeking to distract and destroy you. Lesson for Us:Before we go, let’s deal with what needs closure. That may mean forgiveness, repentance, or tying up loose ends. Leave peace behind, not confusion. David Rested After giving his final charge, the Bible simply says: “Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David.”1 Kings 2:10 David, the warrior who fought giants and armies, found peace. Not because he was perfect, but because he kept returning to God. Just like Apostle Paul, he fought a good fight and kept the faith. Lesson for Us:You won’t always get it right. David didn’t. But it’s not about perfection, it is about repentance and progression. Psalm 51 proves that even when you fall, God can restore. Finish well by staying close to the heart of God. Key Takeaways from David’s Last Day: Final Thoughts David does not just hand over a throne, he prepares his son for whats to come. They are the final notes of a life lived in pursuit of God. He stumbled, yes. But he also worshipped, repented, and loved deeply. If you’ve ever wondered whether God can use a broken life, let David’s story remind you, yes He can. Even in our failures, God sees our heart. And in the end, that’s what matters most. So as we reflect on David’s final day, ask yourself: What would

In our last post, we reflected on Apostle Paul’s famous final charge “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” But before those words were ever quoted in sermons or printed on bookmarks, they were written in a personal letter. A letter not to a church or a crowd, but to a young man named Timothy. Paul’s second letter to Timothy is widely understood to be his last. At this point, he knows his time is short. He’s no longer travelling, preaching or writing letters to large gatherings. He’s in a Roman prison, awaiting execution. And yet, even in this moment, his mind and heart are focused on someone else. This post is about that final letter. About what mattered to Paul near the end. And what we can take away from it today. The Personal Tone of Paul’s Last Letter Unlike Paul’s other letters, 2 Timothy feels deeply personal. He refers to Timothy as “my dear son” (2 Timothy 1:2) and recalls his sincere faith, even mentioning his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. It’s a letter from a spiritual father to a son in the faith. And you can feel the tenderness in his words. One of the moments that stood out to me most is in 2 Timothy 4:21, where Paul says: Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters. It’s a small phrase, easy to skim past. But it holds a lot of weight. Winter in those days made travel difficult, and if Timothy delayed, he might not get there in time. Paul knew that. So he urges Timothy to come not when it’s convenient, but now. There’s a Time to Act Sometimes in life, the door is open for a season, and then it closes. “Come before winter” is a gentle reminder that not all opportunities last forever. Paul wasn’t just asking Timothy to visit. He was asking him not to miss the moment. Winter in this case could be taken to mean his death. He knew winter was coming for him it is coming for all of us. We all have moments like that. Times when God places something on our hearts – maybe it’s to reconcile with someone, start a ministry, reach out to a friend, or spend time with a loved one. But we delay. We say “soon.” Then winter comes, and the window closes. Paul’s words remind us to move when the Lord prompts us. Don’t wait for the perfect time. The right time is when God says “go.” Ministry is About People Paul had preached to multitudes. He had written letters that would shape theology for centuries. But in his final moments, it wasn’t the crowds he asked for it was Timothy. He wanted to see his friend his son, to feel the presence of someone who had walked the road of faith with him. He even gets specific. He asks Timothy to bring his cloak (v.13), because the prison was likely cold. He asks for the scrolls, especially the parchments, possibly Old Testament Scriptures. And he asks for Mark, the same Mark he once parted ways with (Acts 15:37–39). A small sign that healing and restoration had taken place. This tells us something important: faith is not only about the mission; it’s about the people God places in your life along the way. Faithfulness Matters Even while facing death, Paul doesn’t express regret. He doesn’t wish he had travelled more or spoken to larger crowds. Instead, he points to his faithfulness. This was also encouragement for Timothy, reminding him even though the journey was tough, he kept the faith until the end. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) His confidence wasn’t in a perfect life, but in a faithful one. This speaks to us today. God isn’t asking for perfection. He’s asking for perseverance. A heart that doesn’t give up. A faith that holds on, even when things don’t go as expected. God Stood With Me One of the most powerful moments in Paul’s final chapter is his honesty about abandonment. In 2 Timothy 4:16-17, Paul says: “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength…” These words echo forgiveness, but they also highlight something deeply encouraging. – when no one else showed up, God did. Paul wasn’t alone. In the coldness of prison and rejection, God’s presence was real and sustaining. There will be time when all you have to rely on is God. We all will or have faced seasons of abandonment but we must always remind that God will always stand with us. Lesson for Us: Even if people let you down, God remains faithful. He will strengthen you when others walk away. You may feel abandoned, but you are never truly alone. Paul’s Warning to Timothy As a spiritual father, Paul also uses his final letter to warn Timothy. He names names – Demas, Alexander, and others who turned away or caused harm (2 Timothy 4:10-15). Paul wasn’t bitter. He was protective. He knew the cost of ministry and wanted Timothy to walk wisely. Even great men like Apostle Paul had people who stood against their ministry. Here Paul warns. Timothy while remind him to leave the judgement to God. 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too

In the previous post, we listened to the powerful final words of Jesus on the cross. Words that offered forgiveness, surrendered His spirit, and declared victory even in suffering. Today, we continue our series, “Last Words on Death Row,” not with the words of a king, but of a servant. Not from a cross, but from a pit of stones. Stephen may not be as widely remembered as Jesus or Paul, but his final words still echo through time with boldness, faith, and radical love. If Jesus’ death was about atonement, Stephen’s death was about witness – the kind that costs you everything. His story confronts us with this question: What does it mean to follow Jesus, even when the cost is your life? Let’s explore what Stephen’s last words tell us—not just about dying for Christ, but living for Him. Who Was Stephen? Stephen was one of the first deacons chosen in the early church (Acts 6:5), described as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” He was a preacher, a miracle worker, and a man of wisdom who couldn’t be silenced by religious arguments. His boldness put him on trial before the Sanhedrin, where he delivered one of the most convicting sermons recorded in the Bible. The response? Rage. They dragged him outside the city to be stoned. And in that place of pain, Stephen delivered his final sermon—not with words of bitterness, but of vision, surrender, and love. Stephen’s Last Words on Death Row “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” —Acts 7:56 “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” —Acts 7:59 “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” —Acts 7:60 1. “I see heaven open…” – Eyes on Eternity As stones were raised, Stephen looked up. Not in fear, but in focus. And what he saw wasn’t his enemies—it was Jesus standing, not sitting, at the right hand of God. Most Scripture describes Jesus sitting in authority (Colossians 3:1), but here—He stands. As if to honour Stephen’s faithfulness. As if to say, I see you. 🗝 Takeaway: When you stand for Jesus, Jesus stands for you. In moments of suffering, let your eyes lift to where your help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2). 2. “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” – Trust in the Face of Death Stephen’s surrender echoes Jesus’ own words from Luke 23:46. In his final breath, Stephen entrusted his life into Jesus’ hands. He didn’t plead, panic, or try to escape. He handed over his spirit—because he knew his real life was just beginning. 🗝 Takeaway: Faith is not only trusting God in life but also in death. Let your heart be anchored in eternity, even when earth is shaking around you. 3. “Do not hold this sin against them.” – Forgiveness on His Lips Stephen’s final sentence? A prayer for his killers. Like Jesus, he asked for their forgiveness. He didn’t curse them or demand justice. Instead, he showed mercy. One of those standing by was Saul—who would later become Paul. Perhaps it was this moment, this radical love, that planted the first seed in his heart. 🗝 Takeaway: Never underestimate the power of forgiveness. Your love could be the seed that transforms a future world-changer. What Stephen Teaches Us Today Stephen didn’t just preach the Gospel—he lived it. His death shook the church, spread believers far and wide (Acts 8:1), and helped ignite the global mission of Christianity. Reflection What would your last words say about your faith? Stephen’s story challenges us to live now with the kind of faith that doesn’t wait until the end to be bold. It’s a reminder that even when the world turns against us, heaven stands with us. Whether you’re facing opposition or just trying to be faithful in a quiet season, let Stephen’s words guide you. Keep your eyes up. Trust the One who receives your spirit. And forgive, because eternity is watching. In our next post in the Last Words on Death Row series, we’ll explore the final words of Paul, the missionary who once held the coats as Stephen died. Isn’t it just like God to turn persecutors into preachers? Stay with us. John TholeJohn Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal insights, devotionals, or thought-provoking discussions, John aims to inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations. beyondsalvation.co.za

Have you ever sat with someone in their final moments? The words they speak. if any – carry a different kind of weight. They strip away the noise, the pretence, and the distractions of life. What’s left are the things that matter most. Jesus on the cross was not only fulfilling the most important mission in human history; He was also speaking to us with His last breath. As the crowd mocked Him, as pain tore through His body, and as the sky grew dark, He didn’t stay silent. He spoke. Seven times. And every word matters. This post isn’t just about remembering what He said—it’s about learning what those words still mean for us today. These were not just words of a dying man – they were the final teachings of a Saviour, carved in agony but wrapped in hope. Let’s walk through each of the seven last sayings of Jesus on the cross, what they mean, and how we’re called to live them out. 1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” 📖 Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Before Jesus shed blood, He shed mercy. In the face of betrayal, brutality, and injustice, His first words were not “Why me?” or “Stop them.” They were words of grace. He didn’t wait for apologies. He didn’t wait for remorse. He forgave while nails were being driven through His hands. 🧠 What This Teaches Us:Forgiveness isn’t always a two-way street. Sometimes, it begins with us choosing to release others – even if they don’t know they hurt us. Just like Jesus on the cross, we’re called to forgive without conditions. 2. “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” 📖 Luke 23:43  Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” One criminal mocked Jesus. The other one defended Him. And in that raw, undeserved moment of faith, Jesus responded with eternal assurance. 🧠 What This Teaches Us:It’s never too late to turn to Jesus. Jesus on the cross extended grace to someone who had no chance to make amends. That same grace is available to us. No matter your past, faith still opens the door to paradise. 3. “Woman, here is your son… Here is your mother.” 📖 John 19:26–27 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[a] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. Even in unimaginable pain, Jesus on the cross took care of His earthly responsibilities. He honoured His mother and ensured she wouldn’t be alone. 🧠 What This Teaches Us:Spiritual maturity is not just about preaching or praying – it’s also about caring for people. Love shows up in practical ways. Who has God placed in your life to care for – even when it’s inconvenient? 4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 📖 Matthew 27:46 / Mark 15:34 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[a] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). These words echo the beginning of Psalm 22—a messianic prophecy that ends in victory. But in this moment, Jesus felt the full weight of human separation from God. 🧠 What This Teaches Us:Even Jesus on the cross experienced abandonment. If you’ve ever felt like heaven went silent, you’re not alone. But trust this: silence doesn’t mean absence. God is still at work, even in the dark. 5. “I thirst.” 📖 John 19:28 28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” Simple, human, raw. Jesus—fully God—experienced full humanity. Dehydrated, beaten, bleeding… He thirsted. 🧠 What This Teaches Us:God knows our needs. He understands weakness. When you say, “I’m tired,” or “I can’t anymore,” know that Jesus on the cross gets it. Don’t be afraid to bring your physical, emotional, or spiritual thirst to Him. 6. “It is finished.” 📖 John 19:30 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. This wasn’t a whisper of defeat—it was a declaration of triumph. In Greek, “tetelestai” means “paid in full.” The mission was complete. The debt of sin—cancelled. 🧠 What This Teaches Us:Stop trying to earn what has already been paid for. You are not saved by performance but by grace. Jesus on the cross did not say “To be continued.” He said, “It is finished.” 7. “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” 📖 Luke 23:46 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[a] When he had said this, he breathed his last. His final words were not filled with fear—but trust. After all the pain, rejection, and sacrifice, Jesus rested in the Father’s hands. 🧠 What This Teaches Us:Surrender is powerful. In our final moments—or in our daily struggles—we’re invited to do the same. When you don’t understand, when it’s hard, commit your spirit to God. It’s the safest place you can be. 💬 Key Takeaways from Jesus on the Cross 📖 More Scriptures for Reflection: 🕊 Final Thought: The last words of Jesus on the cross weren’t just for those standing at Golgotha. They were for you and me. They weren’t spoken out of weakness—but out of strength, love, and purpose. Let them shape how you live. Let them remind you that God speaks—even from a cross—and every word carries eternity with it. This Easter, don’t just remember the cross. Live in response to it. John TholeJohn Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal