Legacy

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Alfred Nobel received quite the surprise while reading the newspaper in 1888. Nobel was a Swedish chemist who made a fortune from the invention and production of dynamite. His brother Ludvig had very recently died in France, and the newspaper was running an obituary, however the obituary was for Alfred Nobel, who was very much alive. The headline of the newspaper article was none too flattering, it read, “The Merchant of Death is Dead”. The obituary described Alfred Nobel a man who had got rich by helping people kill each other.

How would you respond if you read your own obituary? What things might people say about you? In the end I’m sure we’d all hope for glowing references to the positive things we said and did in life, and might be somewhat upset if our life was portrayed in a negative fashion.

As Christians we have a wonderful opportunity to consider our obituary in advance. The Scriptures tell us that our life is hidden with Christ, and that we are here for but a few years. They also make clear that we are like the grass and flowers of the field— and the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of the Lord lives forever (1 Peter 1:24 -25). What is it that will truly last? None of our fame or glory are worth pursuing in comparison to the everlasting greatness of God’s promise to us in Jesus.

We’ve been looking at the promises that God made to Abraham, Land, Offspring, Blessing (to be blessed and to bless the world through him). We see these fully realised in Jesus, and the promise is for all those who have faith in him—Land (the new heavens and the new earth), Offspring (the great multitude of believers, children of faith), and Blessing (to receive forgiveness of sins, and share the message with the world). If the word of God stands forever, is this something we have seriously considered giving pride of place in our lives?

After reading his own obituary, and none too flattering, Alfred Nobel resolved to make significant changes. He decided to use the wealth he had accrued to change his legacy, and at his death left millions to fund awards for people whose work benefitted humanity. The Nobel Peace Prize.

What might be said of us? That the word of God was our rock and sure foundation? That we shared the message with a world desperate for truth? Is it time to re-shape our legacy accordingly?

In Christ’s Love,Craig Olliffe, Senior minister