What Will You Leave Behind?

I recently attended a funeral of a well beloved man in a church. How he lived his life after he became a Christian was life-transforming, how he served his wife coffee or tea everyday for 41 plus years was incredible and sweet, how he served the people at the church with sincerity, humility and friendliness was remarkable.

He is well spoken of; lots of tears shed for him and for those who are still behind. What a beautiful service he had received.

He died suddenly while sitting on his sofa; his wife was not at home when he went to be with the Lord; on his face as he was found, a face of a person sleeping in his sleep, peacefully and resting. No sign of physical illness; no sign of a struggle, no sign of pain. What a way to go! We all will miss him. His place will be empty, and the roles he played will be hard to fill.

I am reminded of how short and precious life is; that morning he had a cup of coffee with his wife and they said goodbyes. She went to run some chores. When she called home he did not answer his phone. When others called to come and pick him up for the Vacation Bible School, he did not answer the door. They called his wife saying that he did not answer the door. She called again, still no answer.

Immediately she felt in her heart that she heard the Lord telling her that today He has taken him to be with God in heaven. She prayed again to the Lord and knew that this is the familiar voice of God that she heard before a few times, and God's always right every time. She began to bargain with God, and also asking for a sign; she drove home as soon as she could. However, she knew as soon as she opened the garage door that what God told her is true; she knew that he was gone.

After getting someone's help to support her, she came inside the house and upon seeing him sitting still, she knew he was gone. The pastor was called; He and his wife came with others from the church to support and to pray for her and to help her prepare for his funeral. It was tough.

Many of us are still in shock; we could not believe that he was already gone; we know that to be absent from the body is to be with the Lord; Many came for the Wake and the funeral and the service at the grave site.

Songs were sung; Scripture was read; sermon was preached, and we all paid our final visit and respect to a man who loves God and his wife and family; Indeed, God is magnified; Jesus is glorified; the Holy Spirit is working in the hearts of those who love God to comfort them and to strengthen them.

How will we live our lives differently if we only know tomorrow is our last day? We don't really know what our tomorrow will be, do we. God keeps that mystery away from us. We only need to know that one day we will die and be taken into the presence of God.

We have to be ready any time. Are we ready to meet our Maker any time? Is our house in order? Is our heart at peace with God? Is Jesus in our heart as the Lord and Savior of our lives?

Is there anything that we need to say to our loved ones? Is there anything that we need to do for our loved ones to show to them that we love them and care for them? When is the last time that you say "I love you." to your spouse, to your children and grandchildren? When is the last time that you did a kind thing for someone you love?

Do we need to forgive someone? Do we need to ask someone for forgiveness? We can only do it today, right now when we still have a chance. Do it now. Do it today.
What legacy will we leave behind for our families? How will others remember us?

Titles, degrees, money, things, cars, houses, toys and more toys, none of which we can bring with us to heaven, but we can bring our loved ones to the Lord; we can share the Gospel with someone and when the Lord saves them, we will see them again in heaven.

We can create lasting memories that our loved ones will treasure for life; we can serve the Lord while we can with what He has given us, with the time and energy and the gifts He has blessed us with, with the people that He puts around us to care and to make a difference in their lives.

What will you do if you only know today is the last day of your life? The choice is yours. How will you spend the last hour? What will others say about you when you are gone? What will Jesus say about you?

Don't we all want to hear him say, "Good and Faithful servant, come and rejoice with me..."

Pastor Linh