Endless Hope or Hopeless End?
By: Zach Collins
The last words of an individual are a foretaste of what they foresee in their future and a realization of what they remember from their past. These words often provide us with a glimpse into the heart of an individual through the lens of frailty. Some enter eternity without speaking, while others utter sentiments that disclose values, priorities, regrets, and innermost thoughts that speak to the character of the individual.
Perhaps you are familiar with the last words of Peter, probably written shortly before his death by persecution, in 2 Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Or, the words of Stephen the Martyr, as he stared death by stones in the face at the hands of stiff-necked Jews, in Acts 7:60, “Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
For a few moments, let us examine the final words of some famous people, as recorded by history, and investigate how it relates to the meaning of life. What is real life?
Real life is not found in unbelief. Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote before he died, “I wish I had never been born.”
Real life is not found in pleasure. If anyone ever lived a life of pleasure, it was Lord Byron. Yet, he said before he died, “The worm, the canker, and the grief are mine alone.”
Real life is not found in money. Jay Gould, an American millionaire, had plenty of money. But, when he died, he said, “I suppose I am the most miserable person on earth.”
Real life is not found in position or fame. Lord Beaconsfield had his fair share of both in life. He wrote, “Youth is a mistake; manhood, a struggle; old age, a regret.”
Real life is not found in glory. Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent because, as he said, “There are no more worlds to conquer.”
The world seeks to set our minds on the supposed “happiness and relief” that can be found in unbelief, pleasure, money, position, fame, and glory. But, if real life cannot be found in these pursuits, where, then, is happiness found? I believe the answer is simple. It is found in Christ and Christ alone. Jesus once said, “…I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22).
Life with Christ is an endless hope. Life without Christ, though, is a hopeless end. If Jesus were to come today, how would it be for us? Would we have an endless hope or a hopeless end?