The Legacy Faith Leaves

15 Oct The Legacy Faith Leaves

Read  Hebrews 11:5-6
Thought for the Day: The best legacy is one of faith.

Tim O’Brien is now known as the greatest American Vietnam War author. But, before his writing career, he was just one of the millions of young men who came home looking for purpose and direction. In The Things They Carried, he writes of the inspiration that led him to pick up a pen. When he was a little boy, he lost a friend named Linda. Returning from war and trying to make sense of the various losses he had experienced in his life, Tim began dreaming of Linda again. In one dream, he asked her what it is like to be dead:

“I guess it’s like being inside a book that nobody’s reading… the book hasn’t been checked out for a long, long time. All you can do is wait. Just hope somebody’ll pick it up and start reading.” From that moment, O’Brien knew that it was up to him to tell stories of the men in Vietnam. It was up to him to continue their legacy.

In the 11th Chapter (often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame”) of the Letter to the Hebrews, we learn of a man named Enoch. The Writer of Hebrews made it clear: Enoch’s legacy stems from the powerful way he lived out his faith. Enoch didn’t part the Red Sea or lead an army. He didn’t preach to thousands or start a movement. Enoch simply understood that his role in life was to make choices that are pleasing to God. Enoch’s faith is his legacy, period.

We have been given Scripture (like the Letter to the Hebrews) partly in order to keep the legacies alive of men and women who faithfully served God. Today and each day, let’s remember their stories and be willing to follow in their footsteps. The best legacy we can leave is one of faith.

In Christ,
Pastors Stan and David