7. The Man, The Legacy
Legacy: An amount of money or property left to someone in a will.(Oxford Dictionary)
What does the Bible say about leaving behind a legacy?
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
Proverbs 13:22 (NIV)
Abraham was concerned about leaving behind a legacy.
But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord,what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
Genesis 15:2-6(NIV)
In essence God was telling him that he will leave behind a great legacy that will survive for generations to come. And the Lord did exactly as He said He would:
Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac.
Genesis 25:5 (NIV)
If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:39
Why is a Legacy Important?
Abraham knew he was created to be a father. He understood that the fulfillment of his purpose was linked to his birthing of a new generation. When you look at the Scriptures, you will notice that purpose is always bigger than the individual. Why? Because there are always destinies linked to your purpose. Study the lives of the patriarchs, Moses, David, the apostles. You will see a common thread….your calling is for the benefit of others.
Abraham understood this more deeply than it may appear. Look at the words Jesus spoke in John 8:56 (NIV):
Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
What did Abraham do in understanding of his destiny?
He made sure that he left an inheritance for his son, Isaac, through whom the promise of the Lord was to be fulfilled. Not only did he leave Isaac a material inheritance, but a spiritual inheritance as well, which was passed down through the generations. God, in the old testament, is often referred to as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Concern about a legacy therefore forced Abraham to look beyond himself and to see Isaac, Jesus, you and me.
Your Turn
When God looked at Abraham, He not only saw Abraham, but his seed as well.His promise to Abraham outlived him and continues to be in manifestation to this very day.
Similarly, when God looks at you, He not only sees you, but the destinies attached to you today and for generations to come.
Will you, like Abraham, consciously look at your wealth through the eyes of God. Will you see your wealth as a tool God has given you not only for yourself but beyond yourself?
What will your legacy be?