Continuum of Faith

5 min read

41 Jehoshaphat son of Asa became king of Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. 42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. … 50 Then Jehoshaphat rested with his ancestors and was buried with them in the city of David his father. And Jehoram his son succeeded him as king.
— 1 Kings 22:41-42, 50

The entire reign of Jehoshaphat is summarized in ten short verses in 1 Kings. Not only that, we don’t even hear about Jehoshaphat or most of the kings until they start to reign.

The summary reminds me of how short our lives truly are. Each life is but a breath (Psalm 39:5), even if anyone should live to 125 years old.

Our lives are in a continuum of relationships, though—my ancestors before me, my parents, my children, and their descendants.

I know very little about my ancestors apart from my father. I never met my mother. It’s like she never existed. Of course, one very clear evidence of her existence is that I exist. I wish that I had met her when I had a chance. But who knows how my life would have been different if I had.

And I don’t really know anything about my grandparents—obviously not on my mother’s side, but not on my father’s side, either. When I was visiting Jeju Island last year, where my family originated, I had such a strong desire to learn more about my family history. I felt that it might help me to better understand who I am. Perhaps I will have that opportunity one day.

When I think about these things, I realize that my life has somehow been impacted by my past family history. And not only that, my own life will somehow impact the lives of my children.

And yet, I have no control over what my ancestors did. And I have no control over what my children and their children will do. Whatever measure of control I have is only useful for how I live my life today. And collectively, these days add up to the story of who I am.

These matters are too great for me to think about. Where does it all lead? What will the story of my life be? What does it all mean, anyway?

But it seems to me that the only legacy I have to give to my children is the story of my devotion to Christ and my faithfulness in serving Him. That will be the only legacy and story that remains.

Father, I think You for Your sovereign hand. I thank You for Your salvation. When I think of the mysterious way You brought me to this point and to this place, it gives me great hope for my children. Watch over them. Bless them. Protect them from the evil one. May their legacy also be a story of devotion and faithfulness in Christ. In Jesus’s name. Amen.