I will remember the deeds
of the Lord… I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty
deeds.
-Psalm 77:11,12
How would you like to be
remembered when you die? The American humorist Mark Twain said, “So live that
when you die, even the undertaker will be sorry” - not an easy accomplishment. Douglas Mac
Arthur is remembered for saying, “Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away.”
Jonas Salk as the man who discovered the polio vaccine. And some will be
remembered for their evil deeds – as serial killers, assassins, political
terrorists, rapist or thieves.
In the Old Testament book of Chronicles are
fascinating stories of famous and powerful people. Some went to their deaths in
disgrace and some in fame and glory. Their life stories finish with a one –
line summary. For example, King Jehoram, was arrogant and ill-liked. He died at
32 of an incurable disease. The chapter on his life closes with these words:
“He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but
not in the tombs of the kings.” (2 Chronicles 21:20).
What a contrast to another
king Josiah, who lived a few generations later. Of him it was written, “He was
buried in the tombs of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for
him.” Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah which to this day are sung.
If for some strange reason
God draws a line at the end of your life at 12 tonight, how would you be
remembered? No one knows when we should prepare the epitaph for our final
resting place. Yet we are remembered both for what we are and what we do,
negatively or positively.
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