His Last Words

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 3
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A wounded soldier was being carried from the battlefield.
“Put me down,” he said.
“Can I do anything for you?” an officer asked him.
“Read the verse in John 14 which begins with ‘Peace,’ " he replied.
Turning to John 14:2727Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27) the officer read: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
“Thank you,” said the dying soldier. “I have that peace; I am going to be with that Saviour; God is with me; I WANT NO MORE.”
These were his last words; and thus he departed to be with Christ, “which is far better” (Phil. 1:2323For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (Philippians 1:23)).
What a reality peace is! Peace made by the blood of His cross (Col. 1:2020And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20)). It is not something of our own making—it is what Christ Himself has made; and then He leaves His peace with us: “Peace I leave with you.” Nothing can alter it—nothing can end it. It cannot be touched nor taken from the one who has it.
And He who made that peace with His own blood lives, and lives forever. “He is our peace” (Eph. 2:1414For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (Ephesians 2:14)). Then it is ours by faith. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 5:11Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1).)
ML-07/09/1978