WHAT LEGACY ARE YOU LEAVING BEHIND?
By Bishop Mike Okonkwo
Sunday 16th June 2024
“Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.” Isaiah 39:8 (KJV)
Today, as we celebrate fathers, I want to challenge everyone, mothers and children inclusive, to live a life of good legacy. Every action we take does not just affect us; it affects generations coming after us. A classic example is the story of Hezekiah, the king.
Hezekiah had made a mark with God. He was the one God told to set his house in order, that he would die. He turned his face to the wall, prayed and turned the hands of God. The Prophet, Isaiah, was still within the palace when God told him to announce fifteen more years for the king. With that victory, he made an error and exposed his house, and all that he had to emissaries from Babylon, and the Prophet said to him: since they have seen it all, everything they have seen will be taken away in captivity to Babylon.
Now watch this: the same person who turned to the wall and reversed the death decree said to the Prophet, “…Good is the word of the Lord…For there shall be peace and truth in my days.” Can you imagine that? He knew he had power with God, but rather than seek God, he was happy that it wouldn’t be in his time and rather than leave a good legacy, he left captivity for his children.
Think about it: What legacy are you leaving for your children? Are you leaving a blessing or a curse? Are you leaving abundance or lack? Are you leaving freedom or captivity? The choice is yours. Don’t be overly consumed with yourself; be intentional about what happens after you have gone. As we celebrate Fathers today, I challenge every mother, wife and child to celebrate the men today and to honour them constantly. Make it a lifestyle, and God will honour you.
Further Reading: Isaiah 39:1-8
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Nehemiah 4-6; Evening- Acts 2:22-47