LEGACIES
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 21-24

"...Ahaziah was given a decent burial because the people said, He was the grandson of Jehoshaphat--a man who sought the Lord with all his heart..." 2 Chronicles 22:9 NLT

The people of the time knew all about Ahaziah and his ungodly deeds. They knew how he followed the example of wicked kings, turning away from God. They had suffered the consequences of a nation who had pushed aside the Lord for foreign idols and easier rules. Few of them really even mourned his passing.

They also knew Ahaziah's grand-daddy, Jehoshaphat. They knew him as a great man of God. A mighty leader. One who had lived a life for God and enjoyed the blessings of such a life.

So they gave Ahaziah a burial that honored his grandpa.

I get that.

You see, all over our little town, I'm known as either Ernie's granddaughter or Harry Jr.'s granddaughter.

My grandpas were huge men--not in size, but in the enormity of their hearts, their stands for God, their work ethics and their love of family. The touched the lives of people in grand ways. They are admired and remembered even these many years after they've both passed on.

So I have earned respect by association.

It's a neat honor.

It's a priceless legacy.

It's a proud heritage.

It's something I could easily take for granted and allow my ego to inflate with its airs.

It's a prize I hold near and dear to my heart.

That being said, when I stand before God, I won't be known by my grandfathers. I won't be known by my pastors. I won't be known by my titles, roles or jobs. I won't be known by my association with any church or denomination. I won't be known as a deacon's child. I won't be known for my Christian service record. I won't be known even for the stand I took, or didn't.

I will only, ONLY, be known as a child of the Most High God--or not. My entrance into God's arms will solely be determined by whether or not my name has been written in the Lamb's Book of Life. My admittance onto the golden street of heaven will only come if I have accepted God's precious gift of salvation.

And it's the same for you. No matter who you call Grandpa.