Lou Gehrig, the iron horse, played 2,130 consecutive games as a professional baseball player. Nicknamed the iron horse, with his record of games played, he was thought to be indestructible, a man of endurance and health. Yet, on July 4, 1939 he stood for one last time as a ball player at Yankee Stadium and gave what is now remembered as the Luckiest Man farewell speech. He ended his emotional speech by saying:

“So I close in saying that I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for.”

The iron horse had been diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Because of his national prominence, ALS is often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. I am not sure if Mr. Gehrig had planned what he would say that July 4th day, but, even while facing the reality of this fatal disease, he spoke with dignity and grace:

“Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth.”

Last words. What a topic. At some point in our human experience, we will say our “last words.” What will they be? Only the Lord knows; but if we follow Him, I pray they will be filled with grace, and seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6).

We have a record of the last words of Moses. They are called Deuteronomy. Unfortunately, tradition has labeled this shepherds song Δευτερονόμιον, or “Second Law.” In Hebrew it is referred to as דְּבָרִים‎/devarim, or words, from its opening verse:

אֵלֶּה הַדְּבָרִים, אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר מֹשֶׁה אֶל-כָּל-יִשְׂרָאֵל

“These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel …”

What unfolds over the course of thirty-four (34) chapters is a love letter from a shepherd to the people of God’s flock that he has lead, in their ups and downs, for more than forty (40). Dr. Daniel Block rightly calls Deuteronomy “the gospel of Moses.” As their leader, he is preparing them to be “light to the nations.” A journey he will not lead them on. See, Moses is standing in the final moments of his race. He is summarizing the road thus far. He is warning of what lay ahead. He is encouraging. He is praising God, and he is admonishing Israel to see itself as the Lord sees them. In Deuteronomy 1:10:

יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, הִרְבָּה אֶתְכֶם; וְהִנְּכֶם הַיּוֹם, כְּכוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם לָרֹב

“The Lord your God has increased you, and see, you are today as numerous as the stars of the heavens.”

Moses, reminding Israel of the promise given to Abraham in Genesis 15:5 of the stars representing the multitude of his descendants (cf. Rev. 7:9), points them to the stars of the heavens and the light they shine upon the earth. What does this have to do with words?

Moses was speaking his last words as the leader of Israel, in four beautiful discourses. He was one of those stars promised. Still, even though he would not lead them into the Promised Land, because of his sin, his words to Israel are graciously seasoned with salt. Why? Stars are not jealous of other stars.

The largest known star in the universe is called UY Scuti. It is enormous. According to astronomers it is 1,700 larger than the radius of our own sun. Yet, our sun is not jealous of it, and it does not speak poorly of it either. The light of a distant star may not be immediately noticed, either because of distance, other galaxies or perhaps it finds itself settled on the other side of UY Scuti. Still, we are told that their presence has influence on our presence in this universe. What is the message? Simple: shine.

Gehrig died two years after his famous speech. He could have used his time to scorn life, other baseball teams, or his famous rival and former teammate Babe Ruth, with whom he did reconcile. Moses could have berated Israel; rather, he urged them on in faith. Why? Stars are not jealous of other stars. They shine.

Jealousy is warned against in numerous places in Scripture. It will make us think, react, speak, and view the world and all that is in it in a manner contrary to the will of God. It can make our last words to someone terribly bitter or harsh. Jealousy will burn out the light we have been graced with.

After Paul gives us his beautiful exposition on the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), “but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,” he calls for us, as fruitful disciples, to “not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Gal. 5:26).

This is one of the trials of life and faith: trusting in the sovereign hand of God. None of us are called to be the UY Scuti of heaven, as that position is reserved for One only, Yeshua/Jesus (Num. 24:17; Rev. 22:,16); but we, in Him and in His promise, are called stars. I may not see the light He is causing you to shine, but I certainly feel it and am influenced by it, as you are shining Him.

It may seem that you are on the dark side of the galaxy in heavens economy, but if He is the center of your universe, the light He has caused you to shine will be felt, even if it is not seen. Trust Him, He has set you in His galaxy of stars for a reason.

I know little about Lou Gehrig, but the words of his final speech have lingered in my mind since I first heard it as a child. Human life is fragile, and we never know when or what our last words will be, let us pray that they are words of life, encouragement and faith in the One who is greater than 2 trillion galaxies combined.

Be well. Shalom.