There is something significant and ever so special about the final words that are spoken from the heart, mouth, lips of someone that you love.
Recently, the memory of a specific prayer that my father prayed for me has been the catalyst that has propelled me into a new realm of awareness, identity, security, boldness, creativity, power and purpose.
Words are containers of life; and likewise of death as well. Death, not only in the final separation but death as it relates to relationships, finances, opportunities, etc. That’s why it is important that we learn the value of words and harness that power to speak words of life. Learn how to use words to create your world. Words that as they produce in our lives, will produce the harvest for which you are truly expecting.
So for days upon days, the prayer that my father prayed in 2018 stayed in my heart like a visit from beloved friend. Needless to say, it was a significant moment that day when the spirit of God came upon my Father and enabled him to pray like I have never heard him pray before. I knew it was a special moment, so I quickly got my journal and began to transcribe the words that were coming from his mouth.
In 2019, my father passed away; but those words, those eternal words spoken in 2018, live on inside of me today because I recognize its value. They live on because I constantly meditate on them and allow it to shape my thoughts and behavior. And in 2022, I am reaping the harvest of that eternal declaration of blessing.
“So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
During one of my meditation moment as I was reflecting on my father’s prayer, my mind reflected on other significant prayers that were spoken during individuals’ final moments.
I thought about Jacob as he blessed Manasseh and Ephraim. (See Genesis 48)
I thought about Jacob as he pronounced blessings on his 12 sons (See Genesis 49) “And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.”
I thought about Moses telling Joshua “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you.” (See Deut. 31-34 and Joshua 1:1-9)
I thought about Moses’ final words as he blessed the children of Israel. (See Deuteronomy 33)
And then my mind reflected on Jesus’ final words, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually–regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Friends, as you reflect on Jesus’ eternal words that still speak to us today, what is that one thing that you can commit to today? Will you go? In “going”, it could be going across the street. Go across the aisle. Go down the block. Go where your heart prompts you to go. Will you make disciples? Will you help someone to learn about Jesus? Will you help someone to believe? Will you help someone to obey God’s Word? Will you teach them to observe and respect God’s Word? Will you show them by your example?
The promise of the Father is given…He will always be with us! He will always remain with you; regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion.
May the fire on the altar of our hearts blaze even brighter as reflections of your Heavenly Father’s love and final instructions propel us into dutiful and joyful service!