1Open your ears to my teachings, my people.
Turn your ears to the words from my mouth.
2I will open my mouth to illustrate points.
I will explain what has been hidden long ago,
3things that we have heard and known about,
things that our parents have told us.
4We will not hide them from our children.
We will tell the next generation
about the Lord’s power and great deeds
and the miraculous things he has done.
5He established written instructions for Jacob’s people.
He gave his teachings to Israel.
He commanded our ancestors to make them known to their children
6so that the next generation would know them.
Children yet to be born would learn them.
They will grow up and tell their children
7to trust God, to remember what he has done,
and to obey his commands. (Ps. 78 GW)
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy*
Several months ago a man from our church had seen the movie “Bucket List” and was talking about his “bucket list” – the things he wanted to do before his time on Earth was over. I’ve never actually written such a list, but could make a list of the people I hope to influence for Christ’s Kingdom. Recently I was thinking about how we as Christians build into others. Who are the people we are encouraging in the faith? How are we praying for the unsaved? How are we demonstrating God’s mercy and grace to the lost and downtrodden? Are we (am I) loving and leaving a legacy that people will remember – not for me but for God’s glory? As I ponder these things and think about the Psalm 78 scripture and Nicole Nordeman’s song “Legacy,” I must turn again to prayer….
God of mercy and grace, we pray you would open our ears to your teachings and turn our ears to your Word. Help us to know you and to tell others about your power, great deeds, and your miracles. Give us knowledge and courage to share your story, salvation, and grace with all those around us. We want our peers, our children, and our children’s children so that all will hear the Good News of your love. We want to leave legacies of love, mercy, and grace so that people see YOU within us. May your Kingdom come and our lives be lived for your Glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who’s who and so-n-so’s that used to be the best
At such ‘n such…it wouldn’t matter much
I won’t lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an “Atta boy” or “Atta girl”
But in the end I’d like to hang my hat on more besides
the temporary trappings of this world
Chorus:
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
I don’t have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It’s an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon destroy
Chorus
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, “Well done” good and faithful one