He Lit Up the East

June/Training for Mission

23 June 2010

He was learning's pillar in every stronghold, he was foremost in the book of complex law. The northern land shone, the western people blazed, he lit up the east with chaste clerics.

- Dallan Forgaill, Amra Cholumb Chille (Irish, 6th century)

In the place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

- Psalm 45.16, 17

What a lovely tribute to the departed Columcille. He made the northern island of Iona shine with his learning and purity. From Ireland, in the west, multitudes flocked to learn from him, until they fairly blazed with the glory of God. And from Iona they went to Scotland, Wales, the Low Countries, and beyond, lighting up the world with the true light of the Gospel.

Who'd have thought it? When Columcille set sail from Ireland, alone, exiled for some unclear reason, most, watching him go, undoubtedly thought it was the end of a promising life and career. But he must have been thinking otherwise. He knew he belonged to God, and, whatever his failings or shortcomings, Colum was not going to be denied the opportunity of leaving a legacy to the glory of God.

Which provokes the question: What legacy are you planning to leave behind when at last the Lord calls you home? Will you bequeath to the world people who live in the Kingdom like the true sons and daughters - princes and princesses - of God? Are you preparing a legacy of disciples, writings, or good works that will cause the name of God to be extolled for generations to come?

This much is certain: If we don't plan for a legacy to glorify God, we're not likely to leave one. It is much to be preferred, I think, to set aside every perceived shortcoming, face up to every obstacle or hindrance, and determine that, by God's grace and might, you will do and leave something in your brief life on earth that causes others to remember Him when you are gone.

Columcille did, and we may - must - as well. It's not the size or nature of the legacy that counts, just the legacy. Let your presence here and now leave a glow of glory when you have departed to there and then.

Today in ReVision: Why They Hate Us - Thanks, Governor, for nothing.

This Week's Download: Faithfulness in Ministry

The poems and exercises in The Hidden Life can help you prepare a legacy of glory for the generations to come. Order your copy today from our book store.

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.