When Jacob was dying, he called his sons in that he might give them each a blessing. Each blessing included something about their personalities and/or their futures. In his parting words to Joseph he said, “Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you.” (Genesis 39:21). Parting words can be a legacy. I still remember the last thing my mom said to me. Those words leave a lasting impression and can make a difference in a loved one’s life. What do you want to leave behind?
Richard Baxter, a 17th century theologian said, “I have pain – but I have peace, I have peace.”
The author of the hymn “Rock of Ages”, Augustus Toplady said, “I enjoy heaven already in my soul. My prayers are all converted into praises.”
John Knox, Scottish clergyman (16th century) reportedly said, “Live in Christ and the flesh need not fear death.”
Charles Dickens, English novelist (19th century) said, “I commit my soul to the mercy of God, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
John Bacon (1740-1799) summed it up: “What I was as an artist seemed to be of some importance while I lived; but what I really was as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only thing of importance to me now.”
You have probably heard it said that what a dying person thinks about is not so much all the hours he/she worked. Not their accomplishments or accolades relating to work or career. As they reflect back on their lives (those who have the opportunity to do so), their thoughts usually seem to dwell on family and relationships, time they wish they would have spent with loved ones.
Those of us who are still breathing have been given this time to figure out what’s important. If you are still raising children and working to provide for a growing family, this is not the time to be too hard on yourself but to simply and honestly evaluate how you choose to spend your time, the hours when you don’t absolutely have to be working. Those of us who are retired can consider how we might want to be remembered and what things we might want to pass on while we are still able. Legacy can be modeled as well as spoken. I’ve often wondered if my small grandchildren have some sort of ESP because they can observe and pick up on the most interesting things. They don’t miss much. As such we are always being watched so our actions need to match our words. If there are things we want to say, why wait? I also feel strongly that what’s in writing stands a better chance of lasting than an email or text which gets deleted in the blink of an eye.
Jesus’ life was consistent. He was no hypocrite. His actions and His words melded together – they were not at odds with each other. Are ours? He lived a life that was exemplary: one of truth and kindness and compassion. And, even after being falsely accused, beaten and hung on a cross, His last words were not about Him or for Him. His thoughts were for others, those He loved enough to die for. Will you and I be that selfless?
“Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34)
“…and even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18)
Let it be so…
In the practicalities of my daily life, I am in my winter season, and I have thought about, and made some provision for bequests. But my desire is, and I hope people will remember me, not by the material things I have left them, but rather from the hymn “Find Us Faithful”. “O may all who come behind us find us faithful; May the fire of our devotion light their way. May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe, And the lives we live inspire them to obey. O may all who come behind us find us faithful.”
Thanks for reminding us of what really matters!!
A very timely message. We’re on the back end and best to have a plan. I love MH response and the hymn. Amazing how priorities have changed in recent years!
Convicted and encouraged at the same time!
Beautiful! Thank you 🙂
Family and friends are the most important. A hug is always appreciated
Last words of a loved one stay with you forever. Make sure those last words are kind. We never know when we will speak our last words because we never know when death will come.
Blessings will stay with you forever but so will curses.