I want to share some thoughts on what Pastor Larry shared with us this past Sunday. It really spoke to me, and I believe it will speak to you too.
Pastor Larry preached the second sermon in our Legacy 2025 series. This one was called ‘Godly Vision’. What an amazing time we had in the Lord’s presence!
What is Legacy?
Legacy is something that is passed down from one generation to the next. It can be something tangible, like a family heirloom, or something intangible, like a set of values or beliefs. In the context of our faith, legacy is about intentionally imparting the values, beliefs, and practices of our Christian faith to future generations.
Pastor Larry shared Joel 1:2-3 NKJV “Hear this, you elders, And give ear, all you inhabitants of the land! Has anything like this happened in your days, Or even in the days of your fathers? V3 Tell your children about it, Let your children tell their children, And their children another generation.”
Notice that he addresses the elders first. What a challenge to us who are older in the faith. What are we leaving behind for the next generation?
The phrase “Hear this” in Hebrew is “Shama,” which means to listen with intelligence. It’s not just about hearing the words, but about understanding and applying them to our lives. What a powerful way to start this passage! The idea that legacy must go to four generations is also significant. It reminds us that our actions today can have a ripple effect for many years to come.
Our Choices Matter
Our choices have consequences, both good and bad. If we don’t have a godly vision, we won’t know where we’re going, and we’ll make poor choices. That’s why it’s so important to develop a godly vision. When you can see what God is doing, you won’t stumble. You’ll be blessed.
Proverbs 29:18 MSG “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.”
Proverbs 29:18 TPT “When there is no clear prophetic vision, people quickly wander astray. But when you follow the revelation of the Word, heaven’s bliss fills your soul.”
Our output is our responsibility, but the outcome is God’s responsibility. We need to focus on being obedient to God and letting Him take care of the results. When we experience Jesus, His righteousness motivates us to serve Him and do good for others. We should all help each other on our way.
1 John 3:6-9 (Summary) – Those who abide in Jesus do not practice sin, but those who habitually sin do not know Him. We are called to practice righteousness, as Jesus is righteous, and to overcome the works of the devil.
Our Dreams
If you don’t have a dream, you’ve settled where you are. You’re just going through the motions. But when you dream, you work on it daily, living and trusting for it to come to pass. What is your dream? Plan it out, set goals, and bring it before the Lord. When you settle, your disciples settle. Your dream will ignite other people’s dreams. When you see God, vision comes, then you have clarity, and you can walk with intention.
God’s Vision for Us
We have a vision of what Jesus wants us to be and do: worldwide revival and restoration. This means that every believer should become a leader, a disciple who wins souls and makes other disciples. We are called and chosen to pursue His vision for our lives and church.
John 15:16 NKJV “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”
Living Out Our Legacy
So, what choices must we make to demonstrate our service to God and reflect His glory and grace to others? We must nurture our relationship with God, building our lives on the truth of the Bible. People can’t adjust the Word to suit our experiences or expectations. We must ask God to transform us into the image of His Son, Jesus.
Jesus, Our Example
Jesus’ mentorship of His disciples is the ultimate example of imparting a spiritual legacy. Over three years, Jesus taught, corrected, and empowered His disciples, entrusting them with the Great Commission. They became foundational leaders of the early church, living out Jesus’ legacy.
Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”
The Power of Family
Legacy starts with family values. Jesus was all about family. He demonstrated not just the power of family, but the power of spiritual connection, which creates a culture of community. We are for family and committed to building community. If you are born again, you are family.
John 19:25-27 NKJV “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.”
Our Role in God’s Plan
God’s original design for humanity, as recorded in Genesis 1:26-28 NKJV, establishes our purpose: to reflect His image and exercise dominion over His creation. We were created to be fruitful, to multiply, and to fill the earth, managing it with responsibility. This is a foundational truth of our existence.
Genesis 1:31 NKJV reminds us that God’s creation, including humanity, was declared “very good.” This inherent goodness underscores our potential and the value God places on us.
Building upon this foundation, Ephesians 6:1-4 NKJV outlines the importance of family relationships in fulfilling God’s plan. Children are called to honor their parents, and parents are instructed to raise their children in the training and admonition of the Lord. Strong, God-centered families are essential for passing on a godly legacy and fulfilling our role in God’s plan.
A Biblical Perspective
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NKJV reinforces the importance of teaching our children about God’s ways. We are called to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to diligently teach His commandments to our children, weaving them into the fabric of our daily lives.
Matok – Work and Fight
Remember the Matok, the Jewish farm implement that has a dual use: work and fight. We must be ready to work and fight for our legacy. The devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but we will not give him an inch. We will keep fighting, stand our ground. Rise up! Fight against him as a family!
Our Legacy Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the powerful message of godly vision. We ask that you open our eyes to see what you are doing in our lives and in our church. Help us to develop a clear vision for our future, a vision that is aligned with your will. Give us the courage to make godly choices, to build a legacy that will honor you and bless generations to come. We commit to working and fighting for your kingdom, standing firm against the enemy. Help us to rise up as a family, united in purpose and love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Endleleni Community Projects – Together on the way to a better future!
Final Words
I trust that this message has blessed you as much as it has blessed me. Let’s continue to seek God’s vision for our lives and build a legacy that will impact eternity.
Remember that we are a family, and together we can make a difference. Let us continue to support one another, encourage one another, and build one another up in the Lord.
God bless you all.
