Words can leave a lasting, permanent impression

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Wycliff Handbook on Preaching and Preachers tells us that John Wesley preached his last sermon on Feb 17, 1791, in Lambeth on the text “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6). The following day, a very sick man, he was put to bed in his home on City Road. During the days of his illness, he often repeated the words from one of his brother’s hymns: I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me! His last words were, “The best of all is, God is with us!” He died March 2, 1791.

On this Memorial Day weekend, it is a good time to reflect on our own lives. How are we living? What will our last words be? It is never too early to think about these things. Wishing you much love and much light.

The Rev. David W. Key, director of the Baptist Studies Program, is involved in recruitment, admissions, student life, counseling, placement, and development functions for Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. He teaches in the Contextual Education program. He is the founding pastor of the Lake Oconee Community Church at Reynolds Plantation. Contact him at (404) 727-6350 or dkey@emory.edu. His column appears weekly in this space.