Sunday, March 29, 2009

This Is Good As

What Will Your Legacy Be?

He did what was right. - 2 Kings 22:2 NIV


Josiah's grandfather, Manasseh, was a violent king who filled "Jerusalem from one end to the other with [the people's] blood" (2 Ki 21:16 NLT). His father, King Amon, died at the hands of his own officers. "He did what God said was wrong," reads his epitaph. Josiah was only eight when he ascended the throne. Immediately he chose righteousness, and didn't stop doing what was right all his life (See 2 Ki 22:2). What's the point? We can't pick our parents, but we can pick our role-models.

When Josiah was rebuilding the temple he discovered a scroll containing God's law. As he read it he wept, realising his people had drifted far from God. So he sent word to a prophetess and asked, "What will become of our people?" She told Josiah that since he had repented when he heard God's Word, his nation would be spared (See 2 Chron 34:14-27). Wow! An entire generation received grace because of the integrity of one man.

So, you can rise above your past and make a difference. Your parents may have given you your DNA, but God can give you a new birth and a new beginning. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children" (Eph 5:1 NIV). Just like Josiah, you cannot control the way your forefathers responded to God, but you can control the way you respond to Him. Your past does not have to be your prison; you have a say in your life, you have a voice in your destiny, you have a choice in the path you take. Choose well and some day - generations from now - others will thank God for the legacy you left.

SoulFood Bible Readings: Job 24-28, Matt 26:1-13, Ps 69:1-18, Pr 8:27-29

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