Will You Be Missed? A Call to Legacy

Today, we gathered to reflect on a profound question: “Will you be missed?” Drawing from Revelation 22:20, we are reminded of the certainty and nearness of Christ’s second coming—a hope that has sustained believers from the days of Adam and Eve, through the faith of Abraham, Moses, and David, and continues to inspire us today. The promise of Christ’s return is not just a distant prophecy but a living reality that shapes how we live, love, and serve one another.

The world we inhabit is marked by sorrow, death, and division, but what God has prepared for us is far greater than anything we experience here. Faith allows us to see beyond our present struggles and to anticipate the joy and restoration that await us. Yet, as we look forward to that glorious day, we must also examine the legacy we are leaving behind. The question is not simply whether we will be remembered, but whether we will be missed for the right reasons.

Scripture gives us the example of David, a man loved by all Israel—not because of his status or appearance, but because of his heart, his encouragement, and his love for others. In contrast, Saul was chosen for his outward qualities, but it was David’s character that made him truly significant. The love between Jonathan and David exemplifies the kind of selfless, unconditional love that Christ calls us to embody. Our relationships, both in the church and at home, are the true measure of our faith.

It is easy to focus on external achievements, social status, or religious practices, but God looks at the heart. The way we treat our families, our neighbors, and even those who serve us in humble roles reveals whether we are truly following Christ. We are called to defend the fatherless, encourage the widow, and treat every person with dignity, for all are made in the image of God. Ultimately, only those who love deeply, serve faithfully, and live with integrity will be truly missed—not just remembered, but longed for when absent.

As we await Christ’s return, let us strive to be people whose absence would leave a void, not because of our titles or talents, but because of the love, encouragement, and Christlike character we brought into the lives of others. May we all be found ready, echoing the prayer of John: “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

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Key Takeaways

• 1. The Certainty and Urgency of Christ’s Return The promise of Jesus’ second coming is not a distant myth but a living hope that should shape our daily lives. From the fall in Eden to the present, God’s people have longed for the day when sorrow and death will be no more. This anticipation calls us to live with urgency and purpose, preparing our hearts and lives for eternity. [07:34]
• 2. Faith Sees Beyond Present Circumstances Faith is the lens through which we perceive the unseen realities of God’s promises. It enables us to look past our current struggles—sickness, loss, and disappointment—and to grasp the better things God has prepared for us. Without faith, we become fixated on the temporary, but with faith, we live in hope and expectation. [12:41]
• 3. True Legacy Is Measured by Love and Character Being missed is not about being remembered for status, achievements, or outward appearances, but for the love, encouragement, and kindness we show. David was missed because he lifted others up and loved unconditionally, while Saul’s legacy was tied to superficial qualities. Our impact is determined by the Christlike character we display in our relationships. [19:52]
• 4. God Values the Heart Over Outward Appearance While people often judge by external factors—wealth, education, or social standing—God looks at the heart. Leadership and spiritual significance are not about qualifications or popularity, but about being connected to Christ and living with integrity. Our true worth is found in how we love and serve, not in what we possess or how we are perceived. [29:33]
• 5. Every Act of Kindness Has Eternal Significance The way we treat others, especially the vulnerable and those who serve us, reflects our relationship with God. Respect, justice, and compassion are not optional extras but essential marks of a follower of Christ. One day, the silent prayers of those we have touched will testify to our legacy, and only those who have loved well will be truly missed in the kingdom to come. [34:51]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [03:30] - Thanksgiving for Worship and Fellowship
• [04:13] - Introducing the Question: Will You Be Missed?
• [05:28] - Revelation 22:20 and the Promise of Christ’s Return
• [06:14] - Understanding Revelation as Progressive Prophecy
• [08:17] - The Longing for Christ’s Second Coming
• [10:10] - Heroes of Faith Looking Forward
• [11:23] - The Universality of Christ’s Return
• [12:41] - The Power of Faith and Hope
• [13:20] - The Challenge: Will You Be Missed?
• [15:18] - Loving Like Jonathan and David
• [17:16] - The Equality of All Before God
• [19:52] - The Difference Between Being Remembered and Being Missed
• [23:02] - God’s Protection and Standing Firm
• [28:16] - Outward Appearance vs. the Heart
• [34:51] - Treating Others with Respect and Dignity
• [39:29] - Defending the Vulnerable and Living for Eternity
• [41:27] - The True Test of Christian Character
• [45:54] - Commitment to Be Among the Redeemed
• [46:33] - Final Appeal and Blessing

Bible Reading

Revelation 22:20 (ESV) — > He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

1 Samuel 18:1-4 (ESV) — > As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.

1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV) — > But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Observation Questions

1. According to Revelation 22:20, what is the promise Jesus gives to His people, and how does John respond? [05:28]
2. In 1 Samuel 18:1-4, what kind of relationship did Jonathan and David have, and what actions showed this? [15:18]
3. What reason does God give Samuel for not choosing David’s brothers, and what does this reveal about God’s priorities? (1 Samuel 16:7) [29:33]
4. In the sermon, what are some ways David was described as being different from Saul in the eyes of the people? [19:12]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that the promise of Christ’s return is a “living hope” that should shape our daily lives. What does it mean for this hope to be “living” and not just a distant prophecy? [07:34]
2. The relationship between Jonathan and David is described as selfless and unconditional. Why is this kind of love important in the church and in our families? [15:18]
3. The preacher points out that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance. How does this challenge the way we often judge others or ourselves? [29:33]
4. The sermon asks, “Will you be missed for the right reasons?” What does it mean to be missed for the right reasons, and how is this different from just being remembered? [19:52]

Application Questions

1. The preacher said, “The best you can do to your child is to love their mother.” How does the way you treat your family at home reflect your faith? Are there specific changes you feel called to make? [14:36]
2. Think about your relationships at church and at home. Are you more like David, who encouraged and lifted others up, or more like Saul, who was focused on outward things? What is one way you can encourage someone this week? [19:12]
3. The sermon challenged us to treat everyone with respect, including those who serve us in humble roles. Is there someone in your life (at work, home, or church) whom you tend to overlook or take for granted? What is one practical step you can take to show them dignity and kindness? [34:51]
4. The preacher said, “Be a Christian at all times, not just at church.” Are there areas of your life where your actions don’t match your faith? What is one habit you want to change this month? [22:22]
5. The message asked, “Will you be missed?” If you left your workplace, neighborhood, or church today, what would people miss about you? What do you hope they would say, and what can you do to make that a reality? [13:20]
6. The sermon reminded us that faith helps us see beyond our present struggles. Is there a current challenge in your life where you need to trust God’s promises more? How can your group pray for you in this area? [12:41]
7. The preacher said, “Only those who love deeply, serve faithfully, and live with integrity will be truly missed.” Which of these three areas—love, service, or integrity—do you most want to grow in? What is one step you can take this week? [19:52]