Will You Be Missed? A Call to Legacy

Devotional

Day 1: Longing for Christ’s Return and the Hope of Heaven

The promise of Christ’s return has been the hope of believers from the time Adam and Eve left Eden, through the faith of Abraham, Moses, and David, and continues to be the longing of the church today. This hope is not just a distant dream but a living expectation that shapes how we endure the sorrows and trials of this world, knowing that what God has prepared for us is far better than anything we experience now. The assurance that Jesus will come again gives us strength to persevere, to look beyond present pain, and to echo the prayer, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” [07:34]

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

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let the hope of Christ’s return give you courage or comfort today?

Day 2: Loving Others with Christlike, Unconditional Love

True love, as shown in the friendship of Jonathan and David, does not discriminate based on status, background, or appearance. It is a love that respects the poor and the rich, the tall and the short, the black and the brown, seeing all as equal before God. This Christlike love is not concerned with outward differences but seeks to lift others up, encourage them, and treat them with dignity, just as Jesus loved us while we were still sinners. [17:54]

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.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life you tend to overlook or avoid? How can you show them Christlike love and respect this week?

Day 3: God Looks at the Heart, Not Outward Appearances

While people often judge by outward appearance—beauty, height, wealth, or status—God looks at the heart. The world may value what is seen, but God values character, humility, and spiritual connection. Whether in leadership, family, or church, what matters most is not how impressive we seem but whether our hearts are right with God and others. [29:33]

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.”

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to judge yourself or others by outward standards? How can you focus more on cultivating a heart that pleases God?

Day 4: Treating Others with Respect and Defending the Vulnerable

Every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their position or background. The call to defend the fatherless, encourage the widow, and treat those who work for us with dignity is a reflection of God’s justice and compassion. We never know the silent prayers of those around us, and our kindness may be the answer to someone’s deepest need. [34:51]

Psalm 82:3-4 (ESV)
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Reflection: Is there someone in your home, workplace, or community whom you can encourage or defend today? What practical step can you take to show them God’s love?

Day 5: The Danger of Comfort and the Call to Spiritual Readiness

It is possible to become so comfortable with our blessings, status, or religious routines that we miss the deeper call to spiritual readiness and compassion. Like the rich man who ignored Lazarus, we can be so focused on ourselves that we fail to prepare for eternity or to care for those in need. The true measure of our lives is not public applause or outward success, but whether we are living each day in readiness for Christ’s return and in service to others. [44:41]

Luke 16:25 (ESV)
But Abraham said, “Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.”

Reflection: What comfort or routine in your life might be dulling your spiritual alertness or compassion? What is one change you can make to live with greater readiness and love?

Sermon Summary

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.”

---

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 Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: "Will You Be Missed?"

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

According to Revelation 22:20, what is the promise Jesus gives to His people, and how does John respond? [05:28]
In 1 Samuel 18:1-4, what kind of relationship did Jonathan and David have, and what actions showed this? [15:18]
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]
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

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]
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]
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]
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

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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person in the group to live in such a way that their absence would be felt—not because of their talents or status, but because of the love, encouragement, and Christlike character they bring into the lives of others. Pray for readiness for Christ’s return and for hearts that reflect His love every day.

Ask a question about this sermon