KINGDOM LEGACY
That is the story of how the people of Israel defeated Midian, which never recovered. Throughout the rest of Gideon's lifetime—about forty years—there was peace in the land. Then Gideon son of Joash returned home.
Judges 8:28-29 (NLT)
As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping the images of Baal, making Baal-Berith their god. They forgot the LORD their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them. Nor did they show any loyalty to the family of Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon), despite all the good he had done for Israel.
Judges 8:33-35 (NLT)
When we take our last breath here on earth, we all leave behind a legacy of some kind, good or bad. The truth is, shortly after we have left this life, our legacy is sadly and quickly forgotten by many, by human standards. Gideon, through his obedience, had built a legacy that honored God and showed God's faithfulness and power. So much so that 40 years of peace took place in the land. Gideon's legacy was a living legacy, but once Gideon had passed, the Israelites wandered back into their old ways, worshipping Baal. The most shocking thing is they forgot all about God, about the victory He had given them over the enemy and how God had rescued them. They were no longer Kingdom-focused but self-focused; they found themselves spiritually complacent and lazy.
When we call ourselves citizens of heaven and followers of Christ, we commit to living a life centered on Jesus. We also commit to live out a legacy that continues after we have taken our last breath, pointing to Jesus. It is not guaranteed that our family, our friends or even our co-workers will continue a legacy that's God-honoring. We are responsible, as individuals, to live today as kingdom men and women, leaving the outcomes to God. We are called to learn to be obedient and faithful to His legacy in the places He has called us to today, tomorrow, and beyond!
APPLICATION: Are you building a legacy that honors God or yourself today? Where or what is the idol that people will remember more than anything else? Choose today to live out the calling to be Kingdom-focused, Kingdom-driven and committed to leaving behind a Kingdom Legacy!
PRAYER: Jesus, I want to honor You today with my life and use it to point to who You are, Your strength, Your power and Your legacy. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?