Legacy
What will our lives mean when we lose them? What will we leave behind that’s of real value? The last will and testament of the most diligent, responsible and successful person, leaves only temporary goods to people to enjoy temporarily. If that’s important, how mush more important is an eternal legacy, one that serves people for all eternity? Paul’s life is an example of how God’s grace can leave a legacy through our lives, that will live on for ever.
Scripture
Acts 20:17-38 ESV Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. [18] And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, [19] serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; [20] how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, [21] testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. [22] And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, [23] except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. [24] But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. [25] And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. [26] Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, [27] for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. [28] Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. [29] I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; [30] and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. [31] Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. [32] And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. [33] I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. [34] You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. [35] In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” [36] And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. [37] And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, [38] being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.
Through the Scripture
Leave a legacy
Following Jesus means trusting Him, obeying Him and imitating Him. We can not do that in selfish ambition, He loved and served others and so should we. Jesus left a legacy like no other human being ever has or ever could. Jesus life death and resurrection have drawn billions of followers over thousands of years. None of us can ever leave that kind of legacy, but we can be part of extending His to others. We are not called to live a life that merely focuses on our own eternal wellbeing, we cannot do that without focussing on the eternal wellbeing of others, even those who come after us.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 ESV For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— [13] each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. [14] If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. [15] If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Lead by living example, declaring, teaching and testifying
Paul spent three years living with and instructing the leaders of the Church in Ephesus. He did this with humility, courage and integrity. Not showing favouritism and not shying away away from the pain of those he ministered among. This consistent investment grew ever more powerful in it’s witness and established a means to lead the elders and equip them to lead others to follow Jesus. Consistently following Jesus example, helps others to do the same.
Acts 20:17-21 ESV Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. [18] And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, [19] serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; [20] how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, [21] testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 4:17 ESV From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Mark 1:14-15 ESV Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, [15] and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Don’t hide from your mortality
How easy it is to life life day to day focussing on now and not eternity. It’s easier to focus on eternity when we remember that the day of our departure from this age can come at any moment, and our chance to leave a legacy could end today, tomorrow or next week. Not thinking about and not coming to terms with our own mortality leaves us in a semi-deluded state - unable to think clearly about our life and legacy.
Acts 20:22-25 ESV And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, [23] except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. [24] But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. [25] And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.
Warn of the high stakes
Inspiring people to follow Jesus and invest their lives in leading others to do the same is hard, and the stakes are higher than we often realise. We need reminding, and need to remind others of this. Failing to to testify to Jesus when given the opportunity burdens us with the blood of those who perish without Him. The best of people can become twisted and selfish in a heart beat and lead others the same way. Remember how precious the people of God are, that Jesus paid for them with His blood, and remember the awful consequences of placing our faith in the created rather than the creator.
Acts 20:26-30 ESV Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, [27] for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. [28] Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. [29] I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; [30] and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Matthew 15:14 ESV Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
Follow Jesus and make followers of Jesus
If you’re making people follow you, you’re leading them astray, if you’re making them follow Jesus you’re leaving a legacy. Under God’s care and through the grace of His Word, hard work and generosity can free us from covetousness, and is more effective in leading people to follow Jesus rather than to follow us (or someone else).
Acts 20:31-35 ESV Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. [32] And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. [33] I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. [34] You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. [35] In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Leave it in God’s Hands
Living a life of consciously leaving a legacy can also be harmful if we dare attempt to do it in our own power, in our own time or according to our own design. We must submit and surrender to God’s sovereignty and entrust all that we do to Him, especially the people He send our way that we may lead them to follow Jesus. They are in His hands not in ours, we merely show the way.
Acts 20:36-38 ESV And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. [37] And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, [38] being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.
Matthew 16:18 ESV And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
God’s grace is enough
Considering the stakes, the challenges and the cost of leaving a legacy, can leave us feeling hopeless. How did Paul accomplish all of this, how can we ever with all our failures and shortcomings? God’s answer to Paul, is the same as to us. “My grace is sufficient for you”. Remember just a few years before this Paul’s legacy was leaving widows and orphans in his wake as he slaved to make a name for himself as a Pharisee.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Legacy: Seven Daily Devotions
Day 1: Building an Eternal Legacy
Scripture
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 ESV - For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Reflection
What will our lives mean when we lose them? The most hardworking, accomplished, diligent person who makes the best possible plans can only leave behind temporary stuff for people to enjoy for a temporary period. Everything that legal legacy offers is temporary. But there is a legacy we can leave that's not temporary—there's a legacy we're called to in Scripture that's eternal. The Bible tells us we're not going to live forever, and when we leave, what will we leave behind for the people we love that will be of value to them permanently? Christianity is not about the selfish desire of self-preservation so that we'll be okay in eternity while whatever everyone else wants to do is fine. That's not it. You can't be a Christian with that mindset because a Christian is somebody who follows Jesus and imitates Him. Jesus gave His own life to make sure we could follow Him. He spared nothing, not even His own blood for every one of us who believe in Him. So our focus as Christians has to be outward. It has to be on each other. What are you doing with what God's given you? Are you building something of value, something that lasts? Because it's going to be tested. And if it survives, you are in for the most incredible reward you can imagine.
Supporting Scriptures
Acts 20:24 - But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Matthew 16:18 - And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Application
Don't worry about how people judge your legacy. Don't worry about how many newspapers write about you or how many people come to your memorial. Worry about how God judges the value of what you've built. That's what matters. You can build something in a three-year-old child that lasts eternity. You can build something in a 95-year-old man who's never heard of Jesus that carries him through eternity. You could build a home group, a church, a rehab, an office prayer group. There's no limit to what God can do through us. This week, examine your daily activities. Are you building with gold, silver, and precious stones—things that will survive the fire? Or are you consumed with wood, hay, and straw—temporary pursuits that will burn up? Choose one specific way to invest in someone's eternal future this week.
Prayer Points
1. Ask God to adjust your perspective from temporary to eternal thinking. 2. Pray for clarity about what truly matters in light of eternity. 3. Ask the Lord to show you specific opportunities to build eternal legacy. 4. Pray for courage to invest in others' spiritual lives, not just your own. 5. Thank God that He can use your life to impact eternity.
Day 2: Leading by Living Example
Scripture
Acts 20:18-21 ESV - And when they came to him, he said to them: 'You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.'
Reflection
Paul lived with the Ephesians for three years and could confidently say, 'You yourselves know how I lived among you.' How we live as Christians is kind of like investing into any financial investment. Every day you're putting a little bit aside. Every day you're putting some good behavior in, some good example in, some forgiveness in, some slow-to-become-angry in, some humility in, some gentleness, some generosity in. And as you keep making these deposits, one day you have an account that people look at and they go, 'I want to do what you do. You follow Jesus. Well, I've looked at your example and I like it. I also want to follow Him.' Paul built this example by serving the Lord with humility, with tears, and through trials. He always kept in mind that what he was doing for people, he was effectively doing for Jesus. When you withhold unkind words, Jesus Himself says, 'What you did for the least of them, you did it for me.' Paul didn't shrink from declaring, teaching, or testifying—and not just anything, but testifying to repentance toward God and faith in Jesus. If this was the core of Jesus' ministry, shouldn't it be the core of our life?
Supporting Scriptures
Matthew 4:17 - From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Mark 1:14-15 - Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.' Matthew 25:40 - And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
Application
We sometimes think, 'What good is that one little thing?' I turned the other cheek. I could have slapped that person, but I didn't. So what? And it's another deposit. It's another act building up this beautiful testimony of a life lived in obedience to God that one day somebody will look at it and go, 'That's what I want.' The consistency of just obeying, of just doing what He's called us to do—that's what builds a legacy. This week, be intentional about your 'deposits.' When someone cuts you off in traffic, when a colleague is unfair, when you're tired and frustrated—make a deposit. Serve the Lord with humility. Be willing to cry with those who are weeping. Don't shrink from declaring the truth in love. Remember: using everything we do to testify—repent, turn from the stupid, worthless, pointless pursuits of an empty life. Turn from your sin and believe in Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
1. Ask God to help you see daily interactions as opportunities to make 'deposits' for His kingdom. 2. Pray for humility to serve others without seeking recognition or reward. 3. Ask for compassion to weep with those who weep and share in others' trials. 4. Pray for boldness to declare, teach, and testify about repentance and faith in Jesus. 5. Thank God that He sees and values every small act of obedience.
Day 3: Don't Hide from Your Mortality
Scripture
Acts 20:22-25 ESV - And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.
Reflection
You see those billboards advertising wills: 'Don't leave chaos in your wake.' Their tactic is to scare you with the fact that you're not going to live forever, that you are going to die, and then what's it going to be like when you're gone? The Bible says, don't shy away from that. You need to confront the fact that you're not going to live forever. Everything you build up on this planet, everything that you can see and feel, can be annihilated in a moment. Don't shy away from that because it's important to help you get perspective over what is really important in your short time on this planet. It's one thing to tell people, 'You're not going to see me again.' But surely, before you get to that point where you can tell people that, you have to have sat and accepted it yourself. How do we put in our hearts and minds the urgency and the weight and the importance of what we need to do with our time today if we think we've got all the time in the world to do it? Paul had confronted his mortality, and it gave him clarity about his mission.
Supporting Scriptures
Psalm 90:12 - So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. James 4:14 - Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Philippians 1:21 - For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Application
We find it incredibly uncomfortable to think about our mortality. We don't want to think about that. But if we don't think about it, how do we maintain urgency about what matters? Scripturally, God reveals to His prophets and apostles that their time is coming short so they can make sure everything is in place for their departure. Moses had that. Elijah had that. Our Lord Jesus Himself had that. There's purpose and meaning to our existence, and there's so much focus on this because it matters—it matters how we live our life because it doesn't end when we leave. This week, spend time in honest reflection. If today were your last day, what would you regret not doing? Who would you regret not speaking to about Jesus? What would you wish you had invested more time in? Let those answers guide your priorities moving forward.
Prayer Points
1. Ask God to help you number your days and gain wisdom. 2. Pray for the courage to face your mortality with faith rather than fear. 3. Ask the Lord to show you what truly matters in light of eternity. 4. Pray for urgency to complete the work God has given you. 5. Thank God that in Christ, death has lost its sting and you have eternal hope.
Day 4: Warning of the High Stakes
Scripture
Acts 20:26-30 ESV - Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Reflection
Paul warns of two critical facts: First, the Holy Spirit of God gave them responsibility over these people. The Holy Spirit is holding them accountable. When Ezekiel was called to prophesy, God said, 'If you go out and warn these people and they repent, you've saved them. If you warn them and they don't repent, their blood is not on your hands. But if you don't go and warn them and they don't repent, I will hold you accountable for their death.' That's why Paul declares, 'I'm innocent of the blood of all because I didn't shrink from it. I told you the truth.' Second, Christ sent them to a church which He bought with His own blood. Just in case you're thinking how you minister to people isn't that important, He reminds us: 'Look at the people around you. I bought them with my blood. That's how I value them. I purchased this church with my own death and suffering. I care deeply about every single one of them.' These are high stakes indeed.
Supporting Scriptures
Ezekiel 33:7-9 - So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul. Matthew 15:14 - Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit. 1 Peter 5:2-3 - Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
Application
We can all remember somebody in our life that made it harder to be a Christian because of the way they treated us. Paul warns that fierce wolves will come, and even more sobering, 'from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away disciples after them.' We must pay attention to ourselves first—make sure our faith is right, make sure we are right. Then we can care for others. This applies whether you're a pastor or brand new in the faith. The warning is real: are we drawing people to follow Jesus for their own good, or are we drawing people to follow us for our own good? This week, examine your influence. When you speak about faith, is it to point people to Jesus or to elevate yourself? When you serve, is it for others' benefit or your own recognition?
Prayer Points
1. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any selfish motives in your ministry to others. 2. Pray for wisdom to discern false teaching and protect those in your sphere of influence. 3. Ask the Lord to help you remember that people around you were bought with Christ's blood. 4. Pray for courage to speak truth even when it's difficult or unpopular. 5. Thank God for the accountability that comes with shepherding His flock.
Day 5: The Antidote to Selfish Leadership
Scripture
Acts 20:33-35 ESV - I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
Reflection
When you link self-centeredness and covetousness with leading people, you find a fascinating pattern. Very often people who draw a big gathering after themselves to follow them have first fallen to covetousness and greed and selfishness themselves. Because when I covet and I'm greedy and I'm selfish and I lead people, I want them to follow me for my own good. And I forget that I want them to do what I do to follow Jesus, for their own good. When I become selfishly obsessed and greedy and covetous, I find that I try and draw people to follow me for my own good instead of them doing what I do in order to follow Jesus for their own good. The antidote to that is given in this passage. Paul says not only did he not become a taker, but he worked hard at being a giver. And the more he gave, the less he wanted for himself and the more he was like Jesus. How do you break down the desire to want what other people have? You spend your life trying to give other people what they need.
Supporting Scriptures
Philippians 2:3-4 - Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 2 Corinthians 9:7 - Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Application
We've all seen pastors who fly around in helicopters, have luxury boats, fleets of luxury cars, mansions all over the world, and somehow have the most loyal following of hundreds of thousands of people. That didn't just happen by accident. It started with covetousness. Paul says, 'Work hard to help the weak and remember it's more blessed to give than to receive.' The more you give, the less you want for yourself and the more you become like Jesus. This week, practice radical generosity. Don't just give money—give your time, attention, skills, and resources. When you see someone in need, meet it without expecting anything in return. When you're tempted to envy what others have, immediately find something you can give away. Watch how giving transforms your heart from covetous to Christ-like.
Prayer Points
1. Ask God to reveal any covetousness or selfish ambition in your heart. 2. Pray for a generous spirit that finds more joy in giving than receiving. 3. Ask the Lord to show you specific ways to help the weak this week. 4. Pray for contentment with what you have and freedom from materialism. 5. Thank God for Jesus, who gave everything so that we could receive eternal life.
Day 6: Leave It in God's Hands
Scripture
Acts 20:36-38 ESV - And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.
Reflection
Paul calls them together, kneels down, prays with them, cries with them, and effectively says goodbye. But what he's actually doing is getting on his knees and handing them to Jesus. When you want to build a legacy, when you want to see other people follow Jesus, very often pride comes in and you begin to carry on your own shoulders the responsibility of saving people that you do not carry and you should not carry. When Jesus called Peter to ministry, He said, 'I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail over it.' He didn't say, 'Peter, you will build the church and it will last forever.' We've got to remember this because leaving a legacy and building a legacy is hard and it's full of a lot of failures. And if you're going to hold that responsibility and beat yourself up for those failures and think that you can save people, you're going to be miserable and burnt out. The last thing in Paul's message is: hand it to Jesus. Let Him do it. But that doesn't take away any of the teaching—we keep doing what we've learned, but we trust that only Jesus can bring it to fulfillment.
Supporting Scriptures
Matthew 16:18 - And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
Application
Are you carrying the weight of people's salvation on your shoulders? Are you beating yourself up over those who haven't responded to the gospel? Are you burnt out trying to save people in your own strength? Paul's final act was to kneel and hand everyone to Jesus in prayer. He did his part—he declared, taught, testified, lived as an example, warned, and gave generously. But ultimately, he knew only Jesus could save them. This week, identify people you've been trying to 'save' in your own strength. Write their names down. Then literally get on your knees and hand each person to Jesus in prayer. Release them. Trust Him. Keep doing what He's called you to do, but let go of the outcome. Jesus will build His church.
Prayer Points
1. Ask God to help you release the burden of saving people to Him. 2. Pray for trust that Jesus will complete the work He has begun in those you love. 3. Ask the Lord to show you where you've been trying to do His work in your own strength. 4. Pray for rest and freedom from the burnout that comes from carrying what only Jesus can carry. 5. Thank God that He is faithful to build His church and that the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
Day 7: God's Grace Is Enough
Scripture
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV - But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Reflection
Have you ever had one of those dark moments where you suddenly remember your past and something you did? When the shame and the guilt and the regret of something awful hits you? Maybe it's so bad that you're even afraid you're about to do it again and you think, 'What kind of legacy can someone like me leave? How can somebody like me make other people want to follow Jesus? It's not possible.' Do you think Paul was good at leaving a legacy? Two thousand years later, we're reading his words. How many billions of Christians have been encouraged, built up, strengthened, rescued by the legacy that Paul put in place in the power of Jesus? Now remember that just a few years before he wrote this, his legacy was making widows of Christians. He murdered Christians with all his might. He made orphans and widows. He made people poor and destitute by confiscating their property. That's who Paul was. That's how messed up his page was. But because of the grace and forgiveness of Jesus, this is what he was able to accomplish. No matter what your page looks like, you know what? The more messed up it is, the more Jesus does with that messed up page, the more glory He gets.
Supporting Scriptures
1 Timothy 1:15-16 - The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 5:20 - Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.
Application
Your piece of paper has so much filth on it. What's the point of repenting again? Who wants this piece of paper that is your life? Jesus wants that piece of paper and He can give you a pristine, pure, clean sheet to start today. He can because He took your punishment. He died for you. He's earned it. He's bought you. And He can decide what to do with you and your life. Today He says to you, 'Start fresh. You think you can't repent again? Repent again.' Yes, you'll repent again tomorrow. That's why when Jesus taught us to pray, He said, 'Forgive us our trespasses.' Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses. Yes, you repent every day. Paul was just a human being. If he could do it, why can't we? Because it was God's power and His Spirit doing it anyway. The more messed up your page is, the more Jesus does with it, the more glory He gets. All we need to do is repent and believe and live out this life that we've seen demonstrated for us.
Prayer Points
1. Confess your sins to God and receive His forgiveness—ask for that clean sheet today. 2. Pray for faith to believe that God's grace really is sufficient for you, despite your past. 3. Ask the Lord to help you boast in your weaknesses so Christ's power can rest on you. 4. Pray for freedom from shame and condemnation, knowing that in Christ there is no condemnation. 5. Thank God that He specializes in using messed-up people to display His glory and build eternal legacies.