For the seven days of Holy Week, our devotions will focus on the seven last words of Christ. At our Good Friday Worship at 7:00 p.m. on April 14, we will hear these words read aloud again and meditate upon them through prayer and song.

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. (John 19:25-27)

What will happen to our loved ones after we die? It’s hard to imagine not being there with them to look after them. What has happened to us when our parents or spouses have died? Jesus takes responsibility to make sure his mother is sheltered, fed, and loved when he no longer can be there. As we look toward the end of our own lives, we follow Jesus and make plans for the care of ourselves, our loved ones, and the stuff that God has entrusted to us for this life.

Do you have your estate plan set up so that it is easy for your loved ones to navigate when you die?
Have you set up guardianship for minor children?
Do you have a living will?
Have you updated the beneficiaries of your life insurance, pension, property, and other assets?
Have you spoken with your spouse or children and told them your plans so that they won’t be surprised and know what to expect when they are overwhelmed with grief?
Have you aligned the distribution of your estate with your values for charitable giving to church or other organizations?
Have you told your family funeral what you would like at your memorial/funeral (Scripture, hymns, etc.)
You can start now with Immanuel’s own Life and Legacy Planning website. http://imluchurch.org/legacy-planning/

We are responsible for our loved ones and for all the property, money, and stuff that God has given us after we die. This is called Christian stewardship. Jesus shows us the way. We simply need a little courage and to take the time to follow him so that those people and charities we love are cared for when we die.

Prayer: Loving Jesus, you made sure your mother was cared for when you died. Give me the courage to plan for my own loved ones when I die and to make sure that all the blessings you have given me of property and finances continue to bless others. Give me wisdom and strength to talk about hard things. Amen.