“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 NIV
Once you exclude the duplications of Jesus’ speeches in the four gospels, the total number of recorded words spoken by Jesus is 31,426. By comparison, Stephen Cranes “Red Badge of Courage” has fewer than twice that at 55,000 words. The point is that, from birth to resurrection, we know a lot of what Jesus spoke here on earth. The overwhelming majority of what Jesus spoke was instructive and encouraging. Sure, there were some pointed comments and His clearing of the temple. In those instances, He actually showed His protective heart for those being bullied or taken advantage of. Within the last two hours I have heard from three different people – a parent, the head of a college think tank, and a settled 88-year-old man. All of them are being attacked, mostly by life, and desperately needed a word of kindness and encouragement in their journey. The first recorded words after Jesus’ birth are, “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’ (Luke
2:10) Here are a few examples of Jesus’ first and last words: Jesus’ first recorded words on the Cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Jesus’ last recorded words on the Cross were, “It is finished!” Jesus’ last words to the Apostle John in the book of Revelation, “Surely I am coming quickly.” As with everything that came out of Jesus’ mouth, these are very powerful words. Their impact continues to this very day. Today, speak life, blessing, and truth. #BeTheEdge
