January 10 - Leaving a Legacy

 Read today’s texts first: Genesis 25-26, Psalms 6; Luke 10

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

• You disciple others even when they’re not looking.
• Because of “free will,” wayward children & deserting disciples are still possible for the best of fathers and leaders.

Abraham died a wealthy man, but his real legacy, at least as far as God was concerned, was in his family.  Isaac was the child of promise.  He was born 25 years after the first promise, so Abraham had a lot of time for doubt.  For the most part, though, Abe continued to believe the promise, and that’s why he is known as the Father of our faith.  Having a child at 100 years of age, with Sarah pushing 90, was a miracle, even in that day when average life spans were much longer than today.  But we forget that the miracles for Abe kept coming, having 6 more kids with his second wife, Keturah (25:1,2) after he turned 137.  Then there were the concubines (v. 6), although we don’t know how many or the number of children Abe had with them.

What I noticed this time was what Abe passed on to his kids.  He was a godly father and Isaac reflected that heritage.  One shortcoming, though, was a common insecurity about their good-looking wives, both resorting to the “she’s my sister” line when in Philistine territory.  At least in Abe’s case it was half true – Sarah was his half-sister.  Rebekah was only Isaac’s cousin, so lies seem to stretch when they’re passed down.  Isaac’s dad likely never told him about his tactic with Abimilech (he tried it twice), but it’s remarkable that Isaac stepped into the footprints he left behind.  I think this is proof that you disciple your children and others who follow you even when they’re not looking.  Our spiritual strengths and weaknesses seem to show up in those who follow behind us.

Having said that, I also noticed the element of free will.  While Calvinists like to cite the story of Jacob and Esau as ultimate proof of their understanding of predestination, it’s clear to me that God’s foreknowledge anticipated their choices.  Jacob had a heart for the things of God and chose to pursue Him and His purpose with passion.  Esau just didn’t care, and if selling his birthright wasn’t enough, marrying heathen wives (26:34) says it all.  Isaac was a good man and a good father with an apathetic if not rebellious son.  Even Jesus, in selecting His disciples, had to deal with the power of free will. Wayward children and deserting disciples are still possible for the best of fathers and leaders.

“Lord, may I live my life with such integrity that whether my children (or students or parishioners) are watching or not, they can still follow my example.  Remind me of the importance of absolute obedience and the ripple effect of disobedience when I’m all alone and facing temptation.”