Elephants are amazing creatures. Many years back I preached a message speaking about meaningful traits that make them stand out. Today I revisited one of those traits.
They display an immense amount of grief over an elephant that passed away. They circle the dead and reach out their trunk to touch their loved one. After a prolonged period of grieving they move on. The drought conditions force them to leave their beloved family members.
What is even more amazing is that when they travel back down the same paths following the resumption of the rainy season, they stop at the bones of their family members. They move the bones around and seem to grieve again.
As a pastor I have instituted a tradition on the last Sunday of every year. We pause during the worship service to remember those folks who have passed during the last year. In a very authentic way, we are following the lead of the elephants. No, we do not touch the bones, but we do pause to remember.
This year we remembered little ones who died tragically, and a senior saint who lived up to the title of one called to serve God. Tom Bowles walked faithfully. These are not the only ones we remember but let us take a moment and consider a life that becomes a legacy.
We do not make these folks a legacy. They lived a lifetime of service to the Lord. Legacy does not happen because of a single act but consistent faithfulness. This faithfulness is often forged through adversity.
Legacy is defined by pivotal moments. Key decisions are made. They often assess integrity. They are not perfect, but they live up to the test.
Consider a few questions. Ask yourself, “What will I leave behind?” A legacy is something we leave behind to the next generation. What legacy would you like to have for the next generation? How will you pass on that legacy?
As we turn to God’s word, we consider an example of a life well lived. The scene unfolds in Luke 2.
Background-Consider Simeon
The scene unfolds eight days after Jesus’ birth. Two events converge into one event. Jesus is dedicated and Mary is purified. The firstborn son was to be dedicated to the Lord. The redemption price offered to God because of His gift was part of what they came to do. With this joint purpose they made their way into the temple.
One note to hold on to as you consider the passage. They bring a pair of doves to the temple. This offering was a poor person’s offering. It was Scripturally allowed for people who could not afford the typical sacrifice of a lamb (Leviticus 12).
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
Upon arriving they are met by a senior person. He was definitely among those who left a legacy. He may have been a priest, but that was not specifically spelled out. Regardless, two widespread characteristics are mentioned about him. He is described as both righteous and devout.
This pair of words combine to speak about a man who walked upright. He does what is expected before God. He is respected as being a man of obedience.
Simeon has four specific qualities that make him stand out.
- He Listened
Twice, Simeon has something revealed to Him by the Lord. Both times He listened. He is constantly listening for God to give Him direction. He is led by the Spirit. The Spirit talks. God listens.
If you are to be a person who leaves a legacy, you must also be listening to what God says.
- He Believed
Simeon is also a man who believes when God speaks.
He is spoken of as a man who is looking for the consolation of Israel. He is looking for the hope long ago promised. God told His people that in the coming age of the Messiah there would be hope for His people. Simeon believed God and waited for the hope.
He had the hope of salvation for all people. God had revealed to Simeon that he would see this salvation. He believed God that in the person of Jesus that hope is fulfilled.
A legacy is built by those who are willing to trust God and move forward. God will lead you, but you must show faith.
- He Obeyed
In noticeably short order we see that Simeon was willing to go when God said go. He was moved by the Spirit. Notice he was MOVED. We cannot sit still and expect God to speak to us.
Legacy individuals must be obedient. It has been rightly stated that we cannot go on with God and stay where we are at the same time. We must be willing to act on what He shows us. He will not show us something new if we have not obeyed what He has already shown us.
- He Worshipped
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Simeon breaks into worship. Notice some of his key words. He is the Sovereign Lord. He trusts God that He has seen salvation. God’s glory is on display.
With this crescendo of worship Simeon testifies that He is done. He believes God and is completed. He prays, “Dismiss me in peace.” He asks God to let him go. He is ready to face God.
CONCLUSION:
Eventually our lives will be summarized in a single sentence. What do you want yours to be? What will be on your eulogy?
- Consider today the legacy you want to leave others. Choose the legacy you want to leave. Be intentional about it.
- Live today the legacy you want to leave. Determine by your daily agenda what is most important. Use your time wisely.
- Appreciate today the value of a good legacy. Celebrate the ones who were legacy in your life. Look to do the same.
