When a family member of two of my co-workers was killed in a construction accident, the love for this outgoing outdoorsman, faithful husband, and father of two was on full display. The country church he called home couldn’t possibly handle all the mourners, so the service was moved to a larger sanctuary. Friends and family flooded the church building! And the unspoken message of the abundant attendees was clear: Tim Dougherty touched many lives in a way that was uniquely his because he lived life with his strong, loving arms wrapped around his family and friends.
What a stark contrast to the self-serving life of King Jehoram! His brief reign over Judah is sketched out in 2 Chronicles 21:1-20. In an effort to solidify his power, “[Jehoram] killed all his brothers and some of the other leaders of Judah” (2 Chronicles 21:4). Then he promptly led the kingdom into pagan practices. As a result, the prophet Elijah foretold Jehoram’s painful death. He went to his bitter “reward” at the age of 40. The text bluntly states: “No one was sorry when he died” (2 Chronicles 21:20). Ouch.
Jehoram thought that exerting brute force would ensure his legacy. Though it did, he will be remembered forever as a bad man and a bad leader.
Jesus, though He is the greatest of all kings, came to Earth to be a servant. As He went about doing good, He endured the hate and venom of those who wanted to rule their own lives and the lives of others. In the process, the Servant-king gave His life away.
Today, Jesus lives—along with His legacy. A legacy that includes Tim Dougherty—a man who understood that life wasn’t about himself. It’s about the One who patiently waits to wrap His strong, forgiving arms around anyone who turns to Him.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 10:17-31
More:
Read Mark 10:35-45 for another stark contrast between misguided human values and the life Jesus calls us to.
Next:
What do you think others might say about you after you’re gone? Whose opinion is the only one that really matters? Why?
Gary Shultz on August 24, 2015 at 6:17 am
We would all like to be thought well of, and a life that is lived well usually leaves warm memories. Beyond the collection of human thoughts stands a gracious God who sees clearly the life that was lived. I always see for the believer a God that seeks to reward in ways that are more extensive and lavish then we could imagine. Thank you
Tom Felten on August 24, 2015 at 9:29 am
Thanks for sharing, Tim. It’s beautiful to see the reflections of Jesus in others who have lived their lives well by His grace!
alanbryant on September 20, 2015 at 5:14 am
…maybe our greatest reward, is Jesus’s companionship along the way, and giving others a ‘leg-up’ in this life.