Jan. 4, 2023
In the church’s recent Bible reading of the book of Acts, we read about the city of Joppa; now swallowed up by the metropolis of Tel Aviv. There is much secular and Biblical history associated with this once thriving seaport on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
On my trips to Israel, I have stopped several times in this ancient city and mused about the story of Dorcas, or Tabitha. Her story is found in Acts 9:36-42. Dorcas is a Greek name meaning “gazelle,” and Tabitha is the Aramaic rendering of the same name. Apart from being a symbol of love in ancient literature, the gazelle was also associated with female beauty in Arabic literature. This was in relation to its feature of being a graceful animal. Dorcas was a person known for her many acts of grace and demonstrating a love for God and for people.
She’s remembered as a servant, a helper, and a charitable person who made things, especially clothing for the poor in Joppa; especially widows. There are many aspects of her life that we could talk about but the one I would like you to think about deals with the idea of ‘leaving a legacy’ to others.
A legacy is something of value that our family and friends will gain from us after we are gone. Our manner of life is a legacy that impacts people in positive and sadly, negative ways for many years. It may be a cherished gift that stirs the heart with affection and gratitude each time our life is reviewed, much like a love letter from long ago. Or it may be serve as a ball and chain of hurt, ugliness, and embarrassment that you have helped attach to the life of someone else.
When I read the short story about this godly woman’s life, a number of thoughts stood out to me: 1) She was a simple person, living in a simple city, and experienced bad times as well as good. 2) She impacted people positively. 3) She was greatly missed when she died. 4) She had a heart for God and for people. 5) She enjoyed meeting needs. 6) She was compassionate to those who had experienced loss. 7) She was used by God to reach many others for the kingdom. 8) She experienced the supernatural working of God in and through her life. 9) She and her legacy have been remembered for nearly 2,000 years.
As we enter 2023, each of us should be mindful of the fact that we are helping to shape our legacy. The stories and memories that our family, friends, and others will remember about us – each day we are alive, and after we are gone.
What kind of person do you want to BE in 2023? Are you willing to do some assessment of your life up to this point and make some mid-course corrections? It is hard work to re-invent ourselves, to BE the person God wants us to BE. We have to rearrange our life priorities, shed bad habits, discard unhelpful and ungodly relationships, and intentionally develop a life that honors God and helps people.
It is not easy, but it’s necessary. The way you live will influence others. What do you want to leave behind if this is your last year on planet earth?
BE in 2023!