We are a culture that esteems youth and the here-and-now. We move at a rapid pace and spend little time reflecting on the past or dreaming about the future. We have too much to do in the present! As we begin 2019, I want to share two stories with you that challenge you to see your place as a crucial link in your family’s heritage.
The first story is from an unusual family in the Bible you likely have never heard of before called the Rechabites. They are mentioned by God to the prophet Jeremiah (ch. 35). They dwelt in tents, did not drink wine, nor engaged in agriculture as per the regulations set by their family father almost three centuries before. Jeremiah’s present generation of Rechabites were still loyal to these regulations and were an example of faithfulness and loyalty.
The second story is about a lady who lived in Ireland in the early 1800s named Jane D’Esterre. She almost committed suicide out of despair when her husband had been killed in a duel. She came through this dark period and went on to have a family. She prayed intentionally for the next dozen generations of her family and their faith. Her great-great-grandson was telling the story in his book, one of many Os Guiness has written on apologetic and Christian themes.
What do these stories share for you and me as we start 2019? We must remember we are a link in the chain of history. We need to be like the Rechabites in being faithful and loyal. We need to be like Jane D’Esterre in specifically praying for our future generations. Our lives are not just about ourselves! We have a heritage to uphold and a legacy to leave. Let me add one more important bit for you to consider. This doesn’t mean you have to do something phenomenal this year. It often simply means you have to do the consistently boring right thing again and again everyday this year. Be a person of virtue, kindness, and faith in 2019. Live knowing you are an important link from those who have come before to those who will come after!
