Good ol' what's his name

Genesis 25:1-18

You’ve probably been engaged in that exercise where you’re asked to say what you would like as your epitaph. And the point is usually made that as others remember you, it won’t be for how much time you put in at work, but for your devotion to family, and how you were kind to people from whom you could expect nothing.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t like to think I could make some sort of noticeable impact on this world, however small. Still, I can honestly say I’m not into personal kingdom-building. I really wouldn’t want anything named after me (not that that’s a threat). I am bothered by the wall of plaques in our church.

So what is it “okay” to want? I think there is a parallel with what we have noted about miracle: Miracle is the transformation of our hearts so that we see things more with God’s vision. Outward events, however out of the ordinary, could be explained away somehow. In a similar way, our good works are valuable as signs of a life being transformed, and as expressions of a love not our own.

In the end, Abraham died “full of years” because he trusted God.

Prayer:
Let me desire only to do what is pleasing to you, Lord, today and always. Through Christ. Amen.