My title for this devotion is Lasting Legacy vs. Temporary Memory.
In the February 14th devotion I wrote about reading the OT, Deuteronomy specifically. As I continued reading I read several interesting stories and events. After telling the people of Israel to not attack certain people groups (Feb 14 devotion), Moses then reminds them whom they did attack. One was Sihon, King of Hesbhon. Another was Og, king of Basham. Although the wording is somewhat different, they were both given to them by God (Deut. 2:33 and 3:3). What a testimony to the people of Israel of God’s presence and power and promise!
But I’m writing about lasting legacy vs temporary memory! So…here’s my question: who witnessed all of this? Hint: you’ll find the answer in 3:21 (Fill in the blank_____________).
As an understudy and right hand man to Moses, Joshua was able to see the good and bad; the strong and the weak; the richness and poverty; the victory and defeat; the joys and disappointments of his mentor. He saw Moses in all his spiritual robes; he saw him in all his humanity. But it served Joshua well to follow the example Moses set.
No man is perfect. Failings abound in each of us. Even Joshua had his moments (city of Ai and also the Gibeonites). But Moses had a mantle to pass on.
Moses left a lasting legacy for Joshua. His was not a temporary memory. I have to ask myself what kind of legacy am I leaving? It is lasting? Is it temporary? When they think of me will my legacy be worth remembering? Will I have affected peoples’ lives? OR will it be here today gone tomorrow?
“Father, Your Name stands forever…as it should. Moses’ legacy left its mark on Joshua. Jesus left His mark on Peter, John, Paul and others. Will I? If so, will it be a lasting one or a temporary one? I pray it will the former.”
I read the Book of Joshua just last month. I was struck by Joshua’s faithfulness and steadfastness. I was also struck by the people he led — they seemed a very different kind of Israelite than the complaining generation that had died off in the wilderness.
I agree Glynn. I’d like to believe they learned from the failings of their predecessors. Thanks for pointing that out.
I think that’s the hope of all of us, Bill – to leave a lasting legacy that inspires others to God’s glory.
Blessings, my friend!
I agree Martha. If it isn’t, it should be.
I pray that I leave a positive legacy through my children. I know each have their own path to choose. I also know we all will stumble. In the end, my prayer is that a new generation of believers would come. Money, possessions, and achievements will fall away, decay, and be forgotten… but I pray our faith and trust in Jesus would grow with each passing generation.
Oh man… To contemplate our legacy brings us face to face with our life, warts and all. It’s a good thing to ponder… not pretty, but needed…