Replacement

I have met some pretty old people before. I met a man a few weeks back that was 97 years old and still pretty sharp. His body was a bit weak and tired. He was also a bit slow moving. I’m not sure what it takes to live to be 90+ years old. I’m also not sure if I want to. As I’ve gotten older, I find myself reflecting on it a bit more. If I’m in my 50’s then I may have 20-30 more good years ahead.

This morning as I read an interesting chapter in Genesis, I realize that when I leave this earth, someone will pick up what I’m working on and move on. I’m replaceable. In fact to a certain extent, we are all replaceable. Check this out…

32 Bela son of Beor became king of Edom. His city was named Dinhabah.

33 When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah succeeded him as king. (Genesis 36:32-33 NIV)

There will always be a president to follow this president, but this president wants to be remembered. There will always be a pastor who follows this one, but this one wants to be remembered. Even though the people in certain positions change, their individual impact is most definitely different. I was a student pastor at four different church in my past and I was replaced when I left. We can all be replaced; our impact can carry on long after we’re gone. I do have incredible fond memories of people that have gone on before me and their impact upon my life is not replaceable. There are legends in the field of music who’ve gone on and I’m not sure there have been any replacements at all for them.

Maybe instead of trying to make a name for myself, I should seek to make the Lord famous. I want others to know the peace that He brings to the mix. I want others to know the hope that He instills in me every day. As I walk with Him through His Word, my relationship with Him is the most valuable relationship I can have. He alone holds the keys to my future and my past. He determines my impact on others in this life. He is the ONLY ONE Who is not replaceable.

Pressing On!

Dwayne