05 23 08 A MEMORABLE LEGACY
“‘I know what you are doing. I know you aren't cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other! But you are lukewarm. You aren't hot or cold. So I am going to spit you out of my mouth. You say, "I am rich. I've become wealthy and don't need anything." But you don't realize how pitiful and miserable you have become. You are poor, blind and naked’…” (Revelation 3:15-17 NIrV)

Laodicea was a well-to-do city some 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and 90 miles east of Ephesus and one of the seven churches in Asia Minor (areas of present day Turkey) as John was receiving and delivery the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Laodicea was a thriving town, with a medical school, a textile industry, banking centers, and a theater. Yet it had a meager water supply! Present day excavation reveals thick lime deposits showing heavy contamination of their water supply. The city water had to be piped in, so by the time the water arrived in usable condition, it was neither hot nor cold, but disgustingly lukewarm. Their water supply was pitiful and miserable, like their spiritual attitude. So when the Lord reveals this to them, they get it! They recognize the taste of lukewarm.

So what does this ay to you and me? How does this tie into to a Memorial Day holiday? I am glad you asked. I ask the Lord the same thing!

We desire to leave A MEMORABLE LEGACYfor our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We want our name and the name of Christ to be honored down through the generations. I think of my father and father-in-law: they both served in the U.S. Army as young family men, raised a family despite challenges and crisis, provided all that was needed (and then some), kept the Douglas (Frederick Douglass) and Carroll (Charles Carroll of Carrollton) names honorable, and still care as best they know how for their family! They are leaving A MEMORABLE LEGACY.

With all the advice and counseling we receive in this day and age, we are nothing and possess nothing if our character is pitiful and miserable. Like the Laodiceans, we Americans have so much to be proud of. We have great industry, wonderful schools, and even mega-churches. But if the Lord would examine our very souls today, would He find hot running water for the Kingdom and His purposes? Would He find a husband and wife burning to lead their families in prayerful devotion, public worship, and open and energetic witness for Christ? Would He see men and women building A MEMORABLE LEGACY for Christ or for themselves? Would His name be growing in honor and respect among the family or being dragged into nightclubs, pornographic movies, common-law relationships, and abusive households? Would Jesus say “You make me sick” or “Well done, good a faithful servant!”?

This Memorial Day Holiday 2008, let’s honor those who have left A MEMORABLE LEGACY for us to continue. Let’s also honor the One whose LEGACY as the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Messiah, our Savior says to all who will listen;

“Come! And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirst come. Whoever desires let hi take the water of life freely….Even so, come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:17-20 NKJV)

Knowing Him, serving Him, honoring Him will bring AN ETERNAL LEGACY for all who come.

HAVE YOU ACCEPTED THE INVITATION?