Famous last words. Some are profound; others whimsical and even mundane. Some are especially ironic; like the words of a Union general during the Civil War, when he declared, "they couldn't hit an elephant at this distance". It's recorded that he didn't even complete the word, "distance", before being struck down by a sniper's bullet.
Especially significant are these famous words uttered by Jacob, renamed Israel by God: "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; And may my name live on in them, And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth." (Genesis 48:15-16)
In the presence of his son, Joseph, and Joseph's eldest two sons, Manassah and Ephraim, Jacob conferred the blessings of God that he had abundantly enjoyed to each of them. He freely acknowledged the blessings and protection he had enjoyed from the hand of YHWH God, Father of his earthly grandfather and father.
It's imperative that we live life with a view of legacy. Unsettling as the thought is, a day will come when we will breath our last, and that which we have been about will either be carried on by those closest to us, or it will come to an end. So, how do we instill true spiritual passion into the lives of family and close friends? How do we help the next generation(s) cultivate a genuine walk with the God of Israel? How do we create a hunger and thirst for truth, and integrity of lifestyle? These are questions best considered now, rather than on our deathbed!
Procrastination is the great enemy of all things worthwhile. The best of intentions today becomes the sedative that lulls us into inactivity and lethargy.The thought of doing deceptively convinces us that we have actually acted.
Today is the day to live life with a view of legacy, whether we're nineteen or ninety. Rock-solid faith, passion for truth, commitment to service, and integrity in lifestyle are all qualities to cultivate and live today. May the next generation see a shining example of these qualities is us today, and the rest of our days.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Especially significant are these famous words uttered by Jacob, renamed Israel by God: "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; And may my name live on in them, And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth." (Genesis 48:15-16)
In the presence of his son, Joseph, and Joseph's eldest two sons, Manassah and Ephraim, Jacob conferred the blessings of God that he had abundantly enjoyed to each of them. He freely acknowledged the blessings and protection he had enjoyed from the hand of YHWH God, Father of his earthly grandfather and father.
It's imperative that we live life with a view of legacy. Unsettling as the thought is, a day will come when we will breath our last, and that which we have been about will either be carried on by those closest to us, or it will come to an end. So, how do we instill true spiritual passion into the lives of family and close friends? How do we help the next generation(s) cultivate a genuine walk with the God of Israel? How do we create a hunger and thirst for truth, and integrity of lifestyle? These are questions best considered now, rather than on our deathbed!
Procrastination is the great enemy of all things worthwhile. The best of intentions today becomes the sedative that lulls us into inactivity and lethargy.The thought of doing deceptively convinces us that we have actually acted.
Today is the day to live life with a view of legacy, whether we're nineteen or ninety. Rock-solid faith, passion for truth, commitment to service, and integrity in lifestyle are all qualities to cultivate and live today. May the next generation see a shining example of these qualities is us today, and the rest of our days.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 9:33 AM
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