First and Last

We all have uttered something that we regret or possibly even grumbled with ourselves when we blurted out, when we should have kept silent.

The first thing that comes from our lips can make the biggest impression, and by the same token the last words we say are left rolling around in the minds of those who heard them.

Jesus, as you would expect, is known well for both His first and last words. They stand like purposeful bookends in a life with the most significant purpose of all time.

When Jesus was a boy, his first words ever recorded in the Bible are found in Luke 2:49. He declared to His earthly parents that he should be ...about His Father's business.

The very last statement that He uttered from His lips are the other side of that bookend: "It is finished." The Greek for this statement is held in just one word. Tetelestai. John 19:30. which means, 'to bring to perfection' or 'to complete'.

Jesus had fully completed what He indicated he began in the Synagogue in Luke 2:49. He was about His Father's business and He brought it to a perfect conclusion even with His last breath.

The really amazing thing about the choice of words that Jesus used you see, is that he could have chosen the word, Etelesthe, which means, 'The work is done.' But He didn't.

Etelesthe is in the aorist tense, whereas the tense of Tetelestai is perfect tense, meaning that it describes an action that is 'fully' completed and has consequenses at the time of speaking. The word is rich with meaning.

The implications for you and me are that His purposeful choice of words imply ongoing effect for all generations. This include ours too.

Tetelestai!

Best Things To Say

Here is a list of top ten things to say in order of number of words:


10. What can I do to help you get things started?

9. You know much more about this than I do.

8. I trust and respect you as a person.

7. What do YOU think should be done?

6. Lets work together on this one.

5. Your idea is better than mine.

4. I made a mistake.

3. I don't know.

2. Thank you.

and the #1 thing to say is:

1. "WE".

I am certain that I do not use these phrases near enough with all those I work with. You deserve to hear them many more times than I actually include them in my speech. So please accept my apologies.

I know that when others use any of these phrases with me they really gain my repsect.

Our pastor Paul Thompson is one of the best at using these and many similar words to affirm so many in our congregation including myself. I really feel important when I am around him.

I should learn from him. I count it a priviledge to share so much time with him. Thank you Renee and Silas for sharing Paul with me.