Your Last Note

Derek Ladd

     If you’ve kept up with the news over the past few weeks I’m sure you’ll recall hearing about the Sago Mine Tragedy. On January 2nd an explosion occurred in a coal mine in Tallmansville, West Virginia, trapping 13 miners 280 feet below ground. In the early morning hours of January 4th, forty-one hours after the incident began, the tragedy struck home. For three hours the families of the miners believed all but one was alive. Sadly, the truth revealed that twelve of the miners had died. One, Randal McCloy Jr., was found alive, but still remains in critical condition. Although he is able to breathe without assistance, it is unclear if he will make a full recovery. McCloy’s father, Randal McCloy Sr., told The Associated Press that he believes — though he has no evidence to support it — that his son survived because the other miners dragged the injured man to their makeshift shelter and shared the last of their oxygen with him. Why? Because he was the youngest and had two small children at home. This brought to mind John 15:13 – “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

     To have to face one’s own mortality so abruptly and unexpectedly is perhaps the most thought-provoking circumstance arising from this tragedy. In their last hours, some of the miners left notes for their loved ones. The note found with the body of mine foreman Martin Toler, Jr. simply stated, “Tell all I'll see them on the other side," and, "It wasn't bad. I just went to sleep. I love you, Jr.” Notes found on other bodies contained similar expressions.

     If I knew I was about to die, what would I include in my last note to my loved ones? What would you write? Certainly we would tell of the love we feel for those that are closest to us here on this earth. But what else would we write? Would we include how proud we are of our loved ones or how happy they made us feel while we were here? Perhaps we’d share with them some joyful memories. What about words of encouragement or comfort? Words that perhaps would ease the pain felt by our loved ones. More importantly, could we pen words that would show our faith in God or show others that we expect to see them again in Heaven? Would we think to write words that would encourage them to obey the Gospel or to continue on in God’s service?

     Christ’s disciples were distraught as the time came near for his betrayal and crucifixion. John 14: 1-4 records his words of comfort to them: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.”

     I have heard my mother say many times that she wanted a sermon preached at her funeral. I couldn’t agree more. By the time I’m gone, nothing can be said or done to change my soul’s condition. No one will be able to eulogize me into Heaven. But they can take the opportunity to stress the importance of preparing one’s own soul for eternity. What could be more needful to your loved ones who are left behind than the good news of the Gospel of Christ? What could be more comforting during a time of loss than the hope of being reunited?

     We pray we never find ourselves in a desperate situation like those twelve miners did, where we have to compose a final letter to our loved ones. But the time will come when all of us will die. Whether suddenly or peacefully, we should continually strive to live in such a way that God is glorified through both our words and our actions. 

     I hope that, given the chance, I would say something similar to Paul’s words in 2 Tim 4:6-8: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

     Let us ever be ready to say this, and without hesitation.

DIRECT BIBLE QUESTIONS TO:  Mitchell Stevens,   acts2216@midsouth.rr.com

- close -