Heritage

Heritage refers to something to do with the past, a birthright, an estate which is passed from one generation to another.

The past few days Pat and I have visited family and friends between ministry appointments. Saturday morning Bob and I, a friend since we enrolled at Central Bible College in 1962, and a member of our wedding party in 1967, shared joys and challenges spanning decades. Life is good!

Wednesday evening we will be ministering in Bethel Assembly of God, Elkhart, IN. David and Stephanie were interns with us in the early 90's and have grown into mature pastors leading a thriving congregation. We hope to visit dear friends, Ralph and Louise Crites, on Thursday, people with whom we have worked, played, laughed and wept for more than 20 years. Another former intern now lives in Detroit and we hope to visit her family before we head home. People, and the experiences we share are part of our heritage.

But family is in a class by itself. Since Friday evening we have shared tales spanning decades with Pat’s father and her sister Sherri’s family. The uninterrupted chain of faith-laden experiences have been shared hour after hour. Our hearts have been filled with wonder and awe as we listened and remembered. It is our heritage, faith’s birthright left to succeeding generations. We’ll pick up another strand of the cord of faith’s heritage when we visit my brother’s family before ministering Sunday and heading home.

Esau did not value his birthright and swapped it for a bowl of stew. Those who carelessly cast off the influences and memories of their past are as foolish as Esau. Life will change. Old signs, buildings, and people disappear. It is inevitable. Styles have a short life in clothing, music, arts and architecture. But we are wise if we remember that we are who we are as a result of all those who have preceded us. Let us value those who have paid a dear price for faith, family, and nation. Some have given their lives, so that we have the heritage of faith and freedom.