The Ball Drop: Living Legacy in 2025
The ball is hung in New York’s Time’s square waiting patiently its duty to call in a new year. Its one act that will have an impact. And that one impact will be powerful no matter if it is seen or not. We also have the opportunity to make an impact not matter if it is seen, to live legacy out in 2025.
Legacy
What comes to mind as you read the word legacy? For me, it is something I want to leave behind that others my continue to pursue or share. Webster’s definition aligned with my own concept. However, as I studied the word in the Greek and Hebrew texts of the Bible, I noticed there were some other variations to the definition with which I knew.
The Greek word ἀποτάσσω (apotasso) is one of the ten words used for the term legacy. It means to “withdraw from, take leave of, renounce, send away.” The verb "apotassó" usually implies to say goodbye or take leave of someone. It may also suggest relinquishment or giving up something. In the New Testament, it is often used in circumstances where people are forfeiting their past lives or relationships to follow Jesus or to pursue a new path (Strong’s Lexicon). I admit that I had to sit with this for a moment. I asked myself several questions: Is what I am doing or desiring to do in keeping on the path to following Jesus? Am I leaving behind what needs to be left behind so that I may live in total surrender to Christ? Am I seeking first His kingdom? These are tough questions with which I had to assess myself to ensure that the legacy I am pursing is one with impact, and not just for my name’s sake.
Like the Greek, the Hebrew also supplies words for the term legacy. Out of the ten words, Yanach (יָנַח) captured my attention. It means to rest, settle, leave, place, or set down. I was intrigued by this definition because I did not equate legacy with rest. As I read its use and the background of the word, I realized how powerful the Hebrew definition truly is.
The Hebrew verb yanach largely communicates the concept of rest or settling. It is used in a variety of situations to refer to physical rest, the act of resting or setting something down, or resting something in a certain condition or position. The phrase may also refer to a sensation of calm or release from labor. The notion of rest was very important in ancient Hebrew culture, and it was often connected with the Sabbath—a day of rest established by God. The concept of resting or settling was both physical and spiritual, representing faith in God's supply and authority. The act of laying or setting something down may also suggest devotion or sanctification (Strong’s Lexicon).
I wish I could say I have known this definition of legacy, but I did not until I started writing this blog! How powerful it is to know that legacy also means resting. Our legacy is not merely supplied in what we do or our pursuit of something, but also in our resting in the One who does supply for our every need. Once again, the questions came: Am I resting in the power of might of Christ? Am I releasing myself from “doing” to experience calm? Am I letting God lead? These are hard questions to ask, but necessary ones to ensure that what I am doing and seeking is within the power of Christ and in his will rather than my own.
What is Your Legacy?
There are no steps in this blog. The concept of legacy will be which one you choose to adopt. Maybe it is one definition or a little of them all. Sit with each definition. Ask God to lead you in the legacy he wants for you.
May I also add, for some of us, we may believe we are beyond an opportunity for legacy, no matter the definition. That is the enemy at work. He would love nothing more than for us to believe that we are unworthy and useless. But that is not truth. God is Redeemer. He tells us that he has thrown our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12), while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8), and no one can take us from the Father (John 10:28). We matter, we have purpose, and we belong with Him (1 Peter 2:9)
God longs for you to know that you are His; you can legacy (rest) in that! If you do not know him, you can leave behind your old ways and follow him. There is nothing you have done that will make him not love you and accept you. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And it is God’s love for us in which he sent his only Son so that none would perish, but all would have everlasting life (John 3:16). That can be your legacy.
Final Thoughts
As the ball drops this year, we all have a chance for implementing legacy for 2025. Legacy can be an active word in which we engage daily. It may be something we leave behind such as our old nature, our old selves and ways to follow Christ. However, it can also be an action of rest; rest in the God who supplies green pastures and still waters. May God lead you in the act of legacy in 2025.