Final Greetings

Final Greetings

Joe Strauss, a staff writer for the Baltimore Sun, chronicled Cal Ripken Jr.’s last game in the major leagues. Ripken had a storied career, playing in twenty-one seasons and surpassing Lou Gehrig’s consecutive-games-played streak. Ripken was known as the ironman of baseball, playing in 2,632 straight games. When it was time for him to play his last game, Ripken said, “One question I’ve repeatedly been asked these last few weeks is how do I want to be remembered. My answer has been simple: To be remembered at all is pretty special. I might also add that if I am remembered, I hope it’s because by living my dream I was able to make a difference. Thank you.”^a

In many different translations of Scripture, each of the Pastoral Epistles close with an editor’s heading that reads, “Final Greetings.” In this section of the letter, the apostle Paul sends personal words to various people in that church who hold a special place in his heart.

In Acts 20:32, as Paul has called the elders of the church of Ephesus to meet with him before he heads to Jerusalem, he gives them a final greeting. It is a tough good-bye, but one where he knows he has given all he could to them for their benefit. Acts 20:32 states, “I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.”

My hope is that after spending a minute a day with this book over the past year, you would discover that the Lord, through his Word, is able to give you an inheritance that does not fade. Stay in his Word, and grow in his grace. Here is a final blessing. Numbers 6:24-26 states, “May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.”

May it be so!

I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

Acts 20:32