Hardly prophetic and rarely profound! That is the best description of most “famous last words.”  We tend to give “last words” more credence because of the finality of their utterance, but they are often clouded by pain or confusion.   We expect them to be a benediction breathed out in the final moments of someone’s life, like dramatic portrayals in literature and film.  Yet often “famous last words” are uninspiring. 

A cursory review of the top Google results of the most memorable “famous last words” of notable notables is remarkably unnoteworthy.  While some, like those of Reformer Hugh Latimer, burned at the stake with fellow reformer, Nicholas Ridley, are galvanizing. “Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”  Others like those of Karl Marx, who said, “Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough,” breathe out contempt and cynicism.

“Famous last words” are so infamous that the phrase has become an English idiom meaning “to make a statement that is shown very soon, and often in an embarrassing way, to be wrong.”  Yet we are ever optimistic that last words will be the last word, an apt conclusion and bring all the words that went before into focus. 

And while this is occasionally true of men’s words, it is always true of God’s Word.   God who was the first to speak always has the last word.  And time and time again in the Scriptures when he speaks of sin, righteousness, and judgement His last word is always ‘grace.’   Even though God’s people provoke Him time and time again, God’s famous last words are always ‘grace.’

Leviticus, with all its law and ceremony, brims with the grace of God.  Hardly a primer on empty, outward religion, it’s types and shadows “prefigure Christ, His graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits.”  It repeatedly answers the question, “how can unholy people dwell with a Holy God?” 

And it ends by pronouncing the blessings for those who trust in God’s grace, the curses experienced by those who reject it, and the promise to all that God will be gracious to those who turn to Him.   Far from espousing a meritocracy, Leviticus 26, points to the “grace upon grace” believers are offered in Christ (John 1:16)

What about you?  Have you heard all the Bible’s words of sin, righteousness, and judgement, but failed to hear the famous last word of grace?  Are you seeking God’s approval by relying on works of the law?  This is not only impossible, but it is accursed as Paul noted. 

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.  Galatians 3:10-13

When the Lord speaks the best, last word, the word of grace, will you let that be the last word?  As God concludes the Mosaic administration of the Covenant of Grace with the people of Israel, he concludes it with the blessings of grace received, the curses for grace rejected, and the abiding promise of grace extended.   Join us as we examine Leviticus 26 and consider God’s gracious last words from the Mosaic covenant.  We meet Sundays at 10:30 am on the square in Pottsville, Arkansas right next to historic Potts’ Inn for worship. Get directions here or contact us for more info.  Or join us on Facebook Live @PottsvilleARP or YouTube.