A LEGACY OF FREEDOM AND SERVICE
A family reunion makes the news in Temple, Texas, because of the group’s commitment to remembering, sharing, and preserving the story of their ancestor. Jeff Hamilton was the first recorded free Black resident of Bell County. The Hamilton family celebrates his freedom as well as his efforts to help and feed others. They remind one another of his legacy because they value both past and future generations, and they desire to preserve the life lessons they all carry.
A LEGACY OF FAITH
The apostle Paul writes to commend his young protégé, Timothy. As a mentor, Paul desires to inspire Timothy’s faith and asks him to visit. Paul speaks of Timothy’s faith history: a legacy passed to him through his Jewish mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois. He wants Timothy to tend his faith, fanning it like a fire, to ensure that he will also have a strong legacy to pass along. Paul reminds his young mentee that from his earliest days, Timothy was trained in Scripture (what is now our Old Testament). Since Scripture comes from God and is entirely reliable in leading people to salvation, it is the right tool for Timothy to apply wisely to his life.
Questions
- Whose legacy do you celebrate and regularly remember?
- What life lessons have you learned from the example of others?
- How do you pass along the legacy of knowing and applying Scripture wisely?