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The sum of what we deposit into the lives of others becomes our legacy!
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21 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover, I have given to you rather than to your brothers one mountain slope that I took from the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow.” – Genesis 48:21-22
Whenever we go over to a friend’s house, my daughter immediately makes herself at home by taking off her shoes and socks and jacket. She has a way of depositing things in every corner of the house, making it quite the undertaking to find everything when it’s time to leave. When it’s time to depart, we give the instruction like any other parent, “Go find everything that you brought with you.” That works about 1% of the time, but we keep hoping. Inevitably, we get home and realize that we’ve left socks, jackets, and one of our children over at our friend’s house!
That’s the way life works, too. We’re always leaving things behind. In every conversation, we leave something behind. Whether the conversation is laced with encouragement or drenched with envy. Whether the interaction is sealed with a smile or a scolding glance. Whether infused with compliment or criticism. We always leave something behind, and eventually, the sum of what we deposit into the lives of others becomes our legacy!
As Jacob’s life is coming to a close, he wants the people closest to him to grasp the things most important to him. He delivers these in a way of blessing as he prays over his family. He reminds his family how God has provided every step of the way. He recounts God’s faithfulness to His promises. And he reassures them of God’s continuing presence just as God continued with him. Jacob knows that he is leaving this world, but he’s confident God will remain present! He intentionally sets up time with the people he loves most to ‘leave some things behind.’ It’s the way legacies are made and it’s the way important lessons are passed down.
As Jacob reflects on his life, he sees God’s faithfulness at every turn. Take some time today and reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life. Listen to Never Once by Matt Redman and soak in the reality that you, too, have ‘never walked alone.’ May this faith and confidence be the thing you leave behind every day and in every circumstance.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
– Lamentations 3:22-23
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By Ryan Paulson
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