From our story of the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, we can see that worship was important to the people. King David had left a legacy of worship that still influenced the worship 500 years later. What is a legacy? Merriam-Webster defines legacy as, “something that happened in the past or that comes from someone in the past.”[1]
David’s Legacy
As king of Israel, David had captured the city of Jerusalem and made it the capital of the nation. He drew up plans for the Temple and provided resources for his son to build it. He organized the priests and Levites and wrote songs for the Temple choirs. Musical instruments that David devised were still being used in worship during the time of Nehemiah.
Nehemiah 12: 45 They (priests and Levites) performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as commanded by David and his son Solomon, and so did the singers and the gatekeepers. 46 The custom of having choir directors to lead the choirs in hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God began long ago in the days of David and Asaph.
Not only did the “professionals” sing but they were joined by the common people. Nehemiah 12:43b The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.[2]
Where is Your Legacy?
What kind of legacy does God want us to leave? The Apostle John gives us insight. 1 John 2: 15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.[3]
A legacy that lasts forever is one that pleases God. We need to keep this in mind as our culture offers us pride in what we have accomplished. Trust God to show you where He wants to use you. You may not have a legacy of worship like David or wall building like Nehemiah, but you will have your own unique place. You may make a lifesaving scientific discovery or you may simply be a good friend or a loving parent. To hear about a legacy of worship, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rebuilding-unfinished-hope-wall-finished
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legacy, accessed 11-23-21.
[2-3] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.