Legal Loose Ends

John 19:28 – After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished (ended), said in fulfillment of the Scripture, I thirst. (AMP)

Because our friend died without a will, his earthly family is in a mess. Lawyers, distant relatives, and the government are making decisions about his meagre estate and even his family. While he loved and protected them throughout his life, he left them totally unprotected in his death. Who would have thought it?

There's biblical precedent for proper disposition of life's goods. Jesus was broke. Judas, the traitor, had control of any monies. Soldiers took His clothing. Still, Jesus recognized His earthly obligations. He made provision for Mary, His mother, to be looked after by John, and only then did he know that all was now finished. After He had cleared up all His last earthly responsibilities, He took a swallow of vinegar to fulfill the prophecy, and then He announced, "It is finished", and died.

Our worldly possessions may be few, but we are still responsible for them. Why would we ever spend a lifetime caring for a parent, spouse, or child, only to leave them to the legal system?

That's exactly what happens when we don't make a will. We leave our life's work undone. We give up the right to pass certain loved possessions to a favourite relative or friend. We neglect our church or favourite charity. But most of all, we abandon our family to strangers.

Prayer: Thanks, Lord, for the opportunity to provide long term care for our loved ones. Give us the good sense to take advantage of it. In Jesus' name. Amen.