By Renee Schuller
Care Ministry Specialist
Chances are that you have put things in place to ensure your loved ones are taken care of when you go on to your heavenly home. You likely have a life insurance policy, a will, and other such documents. You have these because you care for your family and want to be good stewards of the possessions that you leave behind.
As a Christian, you have the greatest possession to give your loved ones—one that surpasses all other gifts you could leave them and one that is steadfast and everlasting. You have not just a will but a testament. A testament is an expression of what you believe. Your testament is your faith.
When Lazarus died, Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Martha replied with a testament of her faith. “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” (John 11:26-27 ESV).
At the Last Supper, Jesus shared His final testament saying “Drink of it all of you; this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me” (from Luther's Small Catechism). Each time you partake of this promise, you proclaim Christ. By this testament, you leave your loved ones with a consolation that the world cannot give. When they receive Holy Communion, your loved ones will be comforted in knowing that you are there with them communing in God’s grace in the company of all the saints and angels, and one day they will join you at the heavenly banquet.
You may write it down, such as in a Christian preamble to your will (see the September issue of the Broadcaster magazine to learn more about Christian preambles). However, simply living your life in Christ is the greatest gift you can give. By going to church, singing praises to the Lord, praying with and for your loved ones, and otherwise daily living and sharing your faith, you are leaving proof of your confession that Jesus is your Savior.
The evidence of your faith leaves those who mourn your death without doubt that you have gone to your heavenly home. This assurance leaves them with not only peace of mind, but peace in spirit. Though they will still grieve, they will do so with hope. (reference 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
In this earthly life, you have received the abundance of God’s mercy and love. Depart in peace knowing that through your testament of faith you are leaving everyone that you love with a comfort and peace that surpasses all else.