The last couple of months I have been working on my family tree. I went to ancestory.com put in a few names that I knew and magic happened. All these clues, hints and documents appeared with names, dates and pictures! It was a fascinating journey and I have come to find out what a legacy and heritage that has been left behind for me.
I want to document this so that I in turn can leave this behind for my children and grandchildren. But I want to focus a moment on Legacy. Heritage. What can I leave behind for them with lasting value? Jewelry, silverware, pictures? Faith! Shouldn’t I also leave them our Savior?
The greatest legacy I can leave my grandchildren is the gift of faith. I need to model my faith to my grandchildren, letting them see what the Christian life looks like in real life. I need talk about what faith in Jesus Christ means to me. Engage them in discussion about spiritual issues. Express to them the ways my faith has changed, been challenged and has deepened over the years. Throughout the years, as my grandchildren mature in faith, they will develop an increasing gratitude of the heritage of faith that I have contributed!
As the grandmother Lois passed along the faith to her daughter Eunice and her grandson Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5), I also can transmit the faith to my grandchildren.
Jacob, the grandfather of Ephraim and Manasseh, was also an example of faith to his grandchildren. The last scene of Jacob's life was a scene of blessing and worship, shared by two of his grandsons:
"By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff"- Hebrews 11:21.
Among the Hebrews, the blessing, in the form of a prayer, was frequently the last earthly experience between children and parents.
The Hebrews well knew the best moment to make lasting impressions. The last words of a dying man are not easily forgotten, especially when they come from a loving parent or grandparent.
What a scene we behold!.... We have a glimpse into the last scene that Ephraim and Manasseh experienced with their grandfather. Here we have a "dying" old man who had been through many experiences in his life, too weak to stand, leaning upon the top of his staff, peering through clouded eyes at his son and grandsons. This one scene alone probably stuck in the mind of Ephraim and Manasseh for the rest of their lives.
Even today, the testimony of the old is a powerful one. Some may think that their years have robbed them of accomplishing much good in the Lord's house. But the oldest of trees bear the sweetest fruit. Jacob and Lois have taught us that until our dying breath, much good can be accomplished and the faithful testimony of loving grandparents will have a dynamic impact upon the lives of our grandchildren.
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” -2 Timothy 1:5
I as a grandparent, do not consider myself old, but in the eyes of my children’s' children, as they grow, I have been around awhile and know many secrets of life. To my grandchildren, every word that comes from my mouth is marked with experience, leaving indelible traces on their little hearts and minds.
The testimony of the old is a powerful one.
It is strength and a blessing to have a Godly heritage, to have fond memories of Godly grandparents for:
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold" - Proverbs 22:1.
When I remember lives of faith, the testimony of the old, I have example set before me, an example that will add fuel to the fire of my own faith. I wonder how many grandchildren have had temptations set before them when something within them would say: "Would my grandfather do that? Would my grandmother do that? How will this make my family look? There has been many a child, grandchild brought into the fold as a result of a grandparent’s prayers and example.
I as a grandparent have a passion for leaving my grandchildren with a wonderful legacy and I must be intentional about investing into their young lives.
