I once met a woman who told me the story of two Bibles. She had inherited them as heirlooms, one from each of her grandmothers. Her maternal grandmother was a woman of deep faith in Jesus. She loved and lived the Word of God. Her Bible was torn and tattered. Some of the pages had broken free from their binding. She left notes behind, and questions were scribbled throughout.
The woman’s paternal grandmother did not know or follow Jesus. Upon her death, her family found a Bible pristine and dusty, sitting on the shelf. She had barely touched it. The difference, the woman told me, was remarkable. The grandmother who loved her Bible left a legacy of faith. Her life was a testament to the goodness of God and the transforming power of His Word. The grandmother whose Bible stayed closed, left a different, more painful kind of mark. Her granddaughter remembered her as angry, bitter, and difficult.
Legacy is the punctuation mark at the end of the book of Esther. The book’s namesake played a starring role in the redemption of God’s people from the evil plot of Haman, yet it is Mordecai’s impact that brings this inspired story to a close.
Though King Ahasuerus’s influence was felt “even to the farthest shores” of his kingdom (Esther 10:1), Mordecai’s fame spread past the borders of time and into the hearts of future generations—including ours. Though Mordecai lived and died more than two millennia ago, we are still strengthened by his story of courage. The pages of Esther record Mordecai’s commitment to securing his people’s future—to ensuring they survived in the face of tyranny, no matter what it cost him.
The curtains of Esther open with Mordecai as a resident in a foreign land, separated from his adopted daughter (Esther 2:7–9). They close with Mordecai as a famous hero, triumphant and highly esteemed. In plenty and in want, in power and powerless, whether he was calling the shots or he was oppressed alongside his people—Mordecai resolved to seek the best for his people. The book’s final words almost read as his epitaph: “He continued to pursue prosperity for his people and to speak for the well-being of all his descendants” (Esther 10:3).
Legacy is the punctuation mark at the end of each of our stories. The book of Esther reminds me that I want mine to end with ellipses, continuing on in the life of the next follower of Christ. May those who come after us be strengthened because we sought the well-being of “all [our] descendants.”
Plan ahead to read Joshua and Mark with us starting February 15. Shop the collection now for Digital Study Books for Lent!
Dorothy I also love this song. I was blessed to hear Casting Crowns in person in November 2019.
How powerful are the comparison between the 2 Bibles and the 2 different lives of the owners. It is the glorious proof that God’s word is living and active. God has given us this precious book of the Bible- the ultimate manual to living the abundant life. To whom that find it, will have life so abundantly on earth. To those who overlook it, will live a life of anger, bitterness and unfulfilled. Choose abundant life. Thank you Erin for sharing this powerful comparison. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD (Proverbs 8:35). Eternal life is to know God (John 17:3)
I pray that all of our Bibles will get well used, worn out and tattered, written on, highlighted on, opened and flipped back and forth daily, so that our lives are powerful living testimonies, fulfilled by God, bearing fruits, leaving behind mighty legacy to those who come in contact with us.
@Taylor: CONGRATS on your big news. I am so happy for you. To God be the glory! Time to celebrate.
@ Heidi: will continue to pray for your family’s good rest. Thank you for your updates.
@ Tina: thank you for sharing your dad’s story. I love how you pose the phrase “But God”, that alone represents so many possibilities. We truly cannot limit God. God can do all things through the WILLING vessels.
@ Churchmouse: thank you for your daily comments. You have such gift for words. I look forward to reading your insights every day!! Thank you for being such a blessing to me and SRT.
Have a blessed weekend my dear SRT sisters. Blessings!
@Rhonda McKenzie. I was SO moved by your comment. Painful yet so beautiful and sweet
My father passed two years ago after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and I found his Bible amongst his things. I didn’t really look at it until last spring. My brother had not been able to grieve or say goodbye to dad. He had always called himself an agnostic until some circumstances brought him to God and he was baptized. When he told me, after the praising of God and a lot of grateful tears, I dug out dad’s Bible. I opened it and saw all his notes and underlining and knew just what I needed to do. I sent it to my brother and through him reading dad’s Bible, he has come to a place of peace. He was able to mourn, reminisce and say goodbye.
The last paragraph Erin wrote reminds me of the song by Casting Crowns, “Only Jesus”. Some of the lyrics are: “I don’t want to leave a legacy, I don’t care if they remember me, only Jesus. I’ve only got one life to live, I’ll let every second point to Him, only Jesus.” This song says so much of how I fill. God and Jesus are my all and who I call on when I need help.
Have a great and blessed weekend sisters.
Taylor I’m so happy for your news!
Heidi, I’m still praying that those nights of rest keep stacking up as I thank the Lord for those He’s blessed you with.
Angie, thank you for the beautiful prayer, and Churchmouse for the best direction.
I don’t normally think much about legacy….no children. But Angie’s prayer & Churchmouse’s comments made me think about how people think about me today. Is my behavior showing them the love of Jesus? Am I “pursuing prosperity for my people and speaking for the well being” of my fellow Christ followers?
TIFFANY C, praising God for you. Thankful you found (God led) you here and ever do grateful that you have found family in us here at SRT.
Sending hugs and love wrapped in blessings.❤
TAYLOR, Praise God for this amazing provision and opportunity that God has provided..and CONGRATULATIONS..sweet child..and well done wrapped in love.❤
CHURCHMOUSE.. Amen.❤
And to ALL, Happy Friday!!!!!!wrapped in love..❤
Coming to the table late, and then lost it all..gutted.
Not important, but legacies are..
My father was called daddy by many… those he had helped, those he had walked alongside, those he had taken into his home over the years.. those he gave the time of day to..
His legacy to each of these, he loved as his Father God loved and commanded him to be..!
I hope my legacy can be half as good.
But God…
Right..?
Happy Friday dear hearts. Be blessed..❤