LEGACY

Acts 18.1-23 Please open your Bible to read, or read from the New Living Translation -
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/index.php?search=Acts%2018.1-23;&version=51;&interface=print

The basic summary of this passage is that Paul goes from Athens to Corinth, a distance of about 50 miles, where he meets Priscilla and Aquila, who had been run out of Rome by Claudius. Like Paul, they were tentmakers, so Paul lived and worked with them, and taught in the synagogue as well. Silas and Timothy rejoin Paul, bringing financial support with them, so Paul is able to focus solely on teaching the Word, and leaves the tentmaking to others. Many of the Corinthians came to believe in Jesus Christ, though some of the Jews got riled up, and wanted Paul judged for preaching about Jesus. However, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, telling him 'not to be afraid--He was with him,' in verses 9 and 10. . . powerful!

Well, Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening~

Today, I would like to focus on what Paul Harvey would call "the rest of the story", the part that lies between the lines. . . the story of the city of Corinth. But first! . . .let's play a game of association, shall we? If I said to you, 'slick-back hair, swiveling hips, crooner, overdose...' what would you say? Elvis Presley. Okay, good. Here's another: 'great wardrobe, princess, woeful eyes, humanitarian, tragic death...' you would say? Princess Diana. 'selfless, took care of the sick, little, India...' Mother Theresa. 'reformer, passionate, leader, concerned about his people, black...' Martin Luther King, Jr. 'ruby shoes, doe eyes, troubled, drug overdose...' Judy Garland. 'evangelist, crusades, preacher, upright...' Billy Graham 'evangelist, charismatic, immoral, ashamed, southern...' Jimmy Swaggart. 'Kind of an interesting little exercise, isn't it?

Here's another--'immoral, temple of Aphrodite--goddess of love, 1000 temple prostitutes, rampant homosexuality, anything goes, unsettled population, lots of travelers...' then, perhaps you would recognize the city of Corinth, where we find Paul today. 'Think he had a tough crowd to try to reach with the gospel? No doubt. What struck me about Corinth, is that we do not remember her because she was a center of political and commercial activity in Greece--though she was--no, the legacy of Corinth surrounds how immoral she was. Which made me think of the legacy of other places, and people too. . .

Which made me think of my legacy. . . what will it be?
Which makes me think of your legacy. . . what will others say about you when you are gone? What will you leave behind?
If five words or ideas could sum up your life, what would they be?
And who is the audience you are playing to?

'Couldn't help but think of the song "Legacy" by Nichole Nordeman "I want to leave a legacy How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough To make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically And leave that kind of legacy. . .'
Some of you know that I make a regular practice of reading the New York Times obituaries. . . what a rich treasure trove of the lives of individuals! I find out something about professions, hobbies, and interests I know little about, and am challenged by the departed's discoveries and conquests over their relatively short lives upon this planet. I also officiate at a fair amount of funerals, and am blessed to deliver the eulogies; it is my honor and joy to 'remember' the loved ones and friends with creativity and love. Besides, I am able to talk about the hope and promise of Heaven to a captive audience, who are typically just a little stripped down, and more able to listen somehow. Each time, though, the sum total of a person's life is clear. It is a great opportunity to take stock.

"You are just a vapor that is here for a little while and then vanishes away" James 4.14 So why not take a moment and reflect on your legacy? After all, you are writing yours every day, you know. . .
What five things would someone who knows you well say about you?

This take on Corinth may seem random, but as I looked at this passage, and prayed about it, I just thought we might learn most today from looking at the folly of the citizenry of Corinth, which became its legacy. Hmmm. . .
What will be your legacy?

Grace and peace,
Christine

If you'd like to hear "Legacy", here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRHvUk1p1kM