Legacy

Recently we had a family reunion. It was one of those big family reunions that go several generations back. One of those family reunions that most people have the same last name, but are so removed, are they really family? One those family reunions you really don't know too many people, but show up anyway to represent your side of the family and for good food and good fellowship with the ones you do know.

My grandfather, one of the oldest in the back, and his  siblings and cousins.

Well, this one turned out to be one of those family reunions I'm really really glad I went to. And glad that I sat with someone I didn't know. I met one of my grandfather's cousins (not sure what he is to me). He was reminiscing as I asked him what his profession was, how many kids he has, grandkids, and such. As he talked, I could tell one thing about him: his faith.

Suddenly I felt an amazing attachment that truely brought us together as family. And I wanted to know more about him. More about his faith that so clearly defined him. I asked him if his parents brought him up in that faith. He didn't just say yes, he said "Oh, of course, that was very important to them. I remember it being important to my grandparents."

That statement amazes me because he remembers his grandparent's faith, prayers, and stories. Even more, his grandparents, are my great-great grandparents! And they were remembered for their faith! How cool is that? God has honored their faith in passing down the covenant from generation to generation. And I get to benefit from it. My kids get to benefit from it. And their kids. I want to be remembered for my faith. I want my faith to define me.  I want to pass down that legacy--a legacy of faith in a God who loves so much, he chose to give his son, so that we may have life in Him.

"I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."

Genesis 17:7

Then he asked about me. "I know your grandparents know the Lord, what about you?"

"Oh yes," I responded, "I do, too."

"Well, that's good," he said with a gentle smile. "You know, each generation has to decide for themselves and call upon the Lord as their Savior. You can't depend on the faith of your parents....you have to decide for yourself."

"For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."

Psalm 100:5

Lord, take hold of the hearts of my children. Let them know that they are Your workman ship. May they find Your word more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. May they proclaim the hope and joy they find in You and declare Your name among the nations.