All through the pages of the Bible, we find remarkable men of God who served faithfully, endured trials, and walked with the Lord until their last breath. Their parting words often shine like beacons of hope, assurance, and joy—proving they finished their race well. These final statements are not mere farewells; they are testimonies of a life poured out in service to God.
Moses – A Life Fulfilled in God’s Purpose
Moses, after leading the Israelites for forty years through the wilderness, stood on Mount Nebo overlooking the Promised Land. He would not enter it physically, yet his heart overflowed with satisfaction. In his final blessing to the tribes of Israel (Deuteronomy 33), he spoke words of encouragement, declaring: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut. 33:27). Moses could rejoice because he had obeyed the Lord’s call and fulfilled his mission.
Joshua – A Testament of God’s Faithfulness
Joshua, the courageous leader who succeeded Moses, also ended his days in victory. Gathering Israel together, he declared: “And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you” (Joshua 23:14). His joy rested in the fact that God’s promises stood true and his obedience was not in vain.
David – A Song Even in Farewell
King David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, spent his last words glorifying God. In 2 Samuel 23:2-3, he testified: “The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” Even as his earthly journey ended, he rejoiced that his life had been a vessel for God’s message.
Jesus – Mission Accomplished in Glory
The greatest example of finishing well comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. On the cross, after fulfilling the work of redemption, He declared: “It is finished” (John 19:30) — signifying the completion of the mission the Father gave Him. Then, committing His spirit to God, He said: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). In those words, we hear the victorious end of a perfect life of obedience and love.
Stephen – The Joy of Seeing the Lord
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, uttered parting words full of victory: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59). With his eyes fixed on heaven and seeing the glory of God, he left this world rejoicing, not in comfort, but in the presence of Christ.
Paul the Apostle – A Race Completed with Joy
Perhaps no parting testimony in Scripture is as stirring as Paul’s. Facing execution, he wrote to Timothy: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Paul’s joy came from knowing he had given his all for the Gospel and was now ready to meet the Lord he loved.
Finishing Well Brings Rejoicing
From Moses to Paul—and above all, from our Lord Jesus Christ—their final words reveal a common truth: when a life is lived in faithful obedience to God, death is not a defeat but a joyful transition into eternal glory. They could rejoice because they knew they had fulfilled their divine assignment.
A Solemn Reflection for You Today
What will be your last words? Will they be filled with joy or with regret? While you are alive and healthy, what are you doing with your life? Can you confidently say, “I am a child of God”? If not, why not accept Him today—repent of your sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and live in obedience to Him—so that when your time comes, you too can be part of the rejoicing.