Legacy of Faith – Man as Provider
"For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. … He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." - Romans 4:13, 19-25 ESV
In 1994, workers renovating the Washington Monument found graffiti dating from the nineteenth century:
Nineteenth-century graffiti discovered by workers renovating the Washington Monument have quite a different tone from those usually found today on the sides of buildings and subway cars.
“Whoever is the human instrument under God in the conversion of one soul, erects a monument to his own memory more lofty and enduing than this,” reads the slightly misspelled inscription, which can now be viewed by visitors to the monument.
It is signed B. F. B. No one knows who that is, or who left the small drawings and 19th-century dates on other walls. But Park Service historians have decided to save the scribblings.
Although the author of that graffiti is unknown, that statement leaves a lasting truth to consider—one that should be the goal of every Stand Courageous man. Specifically, we should aspire to be used by God to shepherd others to place their faith in Jesus, who is the fulfillment of the promises to Abraham. That is especially true with the members of our family. There is no greater satisfaction and joy than seeing your children and grandchildren follow Jesus as Savior and Lord and follow you in the footsteps of the faith.
Abraham provided a legacy of life-giving faith, not only for Israel but also for us. However, as you go back and read Abraham’s story in Genesis, it is clear that he began by providing an example of faith to his own immediate family. He called upon the name of the Lord and made sacrifices to Him. As Paul put it: Abraham “grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God” (verse 20). Can you imagine the conversations Abraham had with his son Isaac about his numerous encounters with God, first calling him to leave his family and go to a land of promise, then promising him a son when he and Sarah were already old, and especially the moment on the mountain when he was about to sacrifice his son Isaac but God providentially provided a ram? So, Abraham’s son Isaac (as well as his grandson Jacob and his great-grandson Joseph) followed the example of faith he provided. Abraham’s God became their God.
Abraham has handed this example down to us, men, and we must faithfully provide, by example and by intentionality, the faith once delivered to us, first to our families and then to others. There can be no greater memorial for the life of a man of God than the faith he instilled in his children, grandchildren, and neighbors. This is a godly heritage that will provide a legacy of life-giving faith!
"For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. … He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." - Romans 4:13, 19-25 ESV
In 1994, workers renovating the Washington Monument found graffiti dating from the nineteenth century:
Nineteenth-century graffiti discovered by workers renovating the Washington Monument have quite a different tone from those usually found today on the sides of buildings and subway cars.
“Whoever is the human instrument under God in the conversion of one soul, erects a monument to his own memory more lofty and enduing than this,” reads the slightly misspelled inscription, which can now be viewed by visitors to the monument.
It is signed B. F. B. No one knows who that is, or who left the small drawings and 19th-century dates on other walls. But Park Service historians have decided to save the scribblings.
Although the author of that graffiti is unknown, that statement leaves a lasting truth to consider—one that should be the goal of every Stand Courageous man. Specifically, we should aspire to be used by God to shepherd others to place their faith in Jesus, who is the fulfillment of the promises to Abraham. That is especially true with the members of our family. There is no greater satisfaction and joy than seeing your children and grandchildren follow Jesus as Savior and Lord and follow you in the footsteps of the faith.
Abraham provided a legacy of life-giving faith, not only for Israel but also for us. However, as you go back and read Abraham’s story in Genesis, it is clear that he began by providing an example of faith to his own immediate family. He called upon the name of the Lord and made sacrifices to Him. As Paul put it: Abraham “grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God” (verse 20). Can you imagine the conversations Abraham had with his son Isaac about his numerous encounters with God, first calling him to leave his family and go to a land of promise, then promising him a son when he and Sarah were already old, and especially the moment on the mountain when he was about to sacrifice his son Isaac but God providentially provided a ram? So, Abraham’s son Isaac (as well as his grandson Jacob and his great-grandson Joseph) followed the example of faith he provided. Abraham’s God became their God.
Abraham has handed this example down to us, men, and we must faithfully provide, by example and by intentionality, the faith once delivered to us, first to our families and then to others. There can be no greater memorial for the life of a man of God than the faith he instilled in his children, grandchildren, and neighbors. This is a godly heritage that will provide a legacy of life-giving faith!
- How will the memorial of faith in God be displayed in your family’s legacy for generations to come?
- In what ways are you daily providing an example of trust in God that would inspire your children and grandchildren to follow you in the faith? Are you sharing stories of your encounters with God?
- Pray and ask God to help you be more intentional in providing an example of faith.