Editor's Note

Scrolling through YouTube one day I came across a video entitled, “Last words before famous people died.” Having clicked on the video I soon realised that there appeared to be many similar videos, such as: “Last words before committing suicide,” and “Last words on death row.” I soon realised that people are very inquisitive and attentive to the last utterances of a dying man or woman.

I am not sure of the reason but it would seem that the last words, particularly of those closest to us, are always particularly important. Most people remember the last words spoken to them with a keen interest in an effort to find closure and encouragement for the days ahead. These words sometimes reflect the last thoughts of those persons and the message they want to give.

Before ascending to heaven Jesus gave His last words to His disciples: “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen”. Matthew 28:19-20

The last words of Christ are clearly teaching us that we should go and preach the gospel. Christ was basically saying that He is leaving but He has left us to finish the work that He started. And the question is are we truly adhering to the mandate of His last words? Or are we leaving it solely to the pastors and evangelists? Ellen G White writes the following:

“The Lord desires His people to arise and do their appointed work. The responsibility of warning the world rests not upon the ministry alone. The lay members of the church are to share in the work of soul-saving. By means of missionary visits and by a wise distribution of our literature, many who have never been warned, may be reached. Let companies be organised to search for souls. Let the church-members visit their neighbours and open to them the Scriptures. Some may be set to work in the hedges, and thus, by wise planning, the truth may be preached in all districts. With perseverance in this work, increasing aptitude for it will come, and many will see fruit of their labours in the salvation of souls. These converted ones will, in turn, teach others. Thus the seed will be sown in many places, and the truth be proclaimed to all”.--Review and Herald, January 25, 1912.

It is only after we go that the most beautiful promise made by Christ Himself applies to us, “and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen”. What a promise, what words of comfort to know that when we go and preach the good news that Christ and His presence are with us. The equation is simple, “go” and “[God] will be with us". I believe that the only way we will be able to feel and appreciate the presence of God in its entirety is if we go.

It is my prayer that, as we move into the second month of the year, we adhere to His mandate so that we may have the blessed assurance that He is with us.