Last Words

There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.

When the famous actor Mel Blanc died, he left behind a host of characters who had come alive through his voice. We know Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, and Daffy Duck because of this “man of 1000 voices,” the epitaph written on his gravestone. It is said that Mel requested a single line added to his stone upon his death—“That’s all folks.” As he considered the words that would outlive him, those two phrases seemed to sum it up.

Whether you’ve been tasked with writing an obituary or eulogy or you’ve had the difficult job of meeting with the funeral home to determine a gravestone, you’ve had to consider what words will sum up your person’s life. The task brings lots of pressure to get it right. After all, we’ve got only one opportunity to give a eulogy, and once the carving is made, it’s tough to change a cemetery stone. What are the most important things to say about a person when he or she dies?

The last few chapters of Deuteronomy, which chronicle Moses’ death, were clearly written by someone else God had inspired for the task. These chapters document Moses’ last words of blessing and instruction to the Israelites. They tell us the story of Moses’ death and the grieving that came afterward. These chapters are the reflective recollections of a person who missed their leader and wanted to get the words right to remember him. In doing so, they offer us excellent instruction for our own expressions of grief.

First, the writer is honest about Moses’ physical condition. Deuteronomy 34:7 tells us that Moses retained his vigor until the end, a comment that reminds us that God sometimes receives our loved ones in the prime of their lives. Second, we learn about Moses’ spiritual life. He and his Lord were on intimate terms. The rest of the chapter offers no laundry list of human accomplishments. Instead, the “mighty power” and “awesome deeds” Moses performed are celebrated as work done through the God who had sent him (Deuteronomy 34:12, NIV).

Have you been tasked with crafting words about your loved one? Would it be helpful to write your own words privately as part of your grieving process? These last chapters of Deuteronomy remind us that the words we speak about our loved ones matter, not just for us but for those who come after us. The ritual of remembering can help you crystallize your thoughts and verbalize your grief in ways that you might not do otherwise. As you give shape to words, whether aloud or on paper, you recall God’s faithfulness and grieve with hope.

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.

A Prayer: God, sometimes I don’t even want to sit long enough to remember my person specifically. I’m afraid that all the memories will rush in and overwhelm me. I realize, however, that I need the time to remember my loss. I need to rehearse the details of their life so that I can say goodbye. Help me in this task so that I don’t become lost in my emotions. Give me grace to face the hard memories. Give me joy as I recall the good times. Help me find the words to say the things that need to be said—honestly, lovingly, and in a way that always glorifies you. Amen.

An Activity for Today: In the space below, write your own short eulogy for your person. It’s okay to sit with both the happy and hard parts of your person’s story. What is the lasting testimony of your person’s life, beyond his or her worldly accomplishments? What will you remember most about him or her? You don’t need to be a great writer. This is a reflective exercise to help you grieve. Whether or not you were able to deliver a formal eulogy at the funeral service, this eulogy can give you an opportunity to say the things that you need to say.

A Song to Encourage Your Heart: “Remembers Me (Psalm 105)” by Mike Janzen