“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NIV).
“Move that bus!” Shouts Ty Pennington, host of ABC’s show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Ty shouts this now famous phrase inviting the crowd to join in each week, as they reveal the new home they have built for a needy family. If you’ve watched this show, it’s hard not to get a tear in your eye. They really do amazing things to give folks their dream home.
But it takes more than a house to make a home. As the Scripture says, “Unless the Lord builds the house the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
The apostle Paul told the Thessalonian believers that they were his glory and joy. Why? Because he had labored among them like a parent, caring for them like a mother and leading them like a father. He was filled with joy because they had believed the Word he shared with them. He was overjoyed because they were his spiritual children, his godly legacy.
I’ve lived long enough now to understand how Paul felt. I’m starting to catch a glimpse at the home God is building… in my family and in our church. We have worked and struggled together, sometimes worrying how things would turn out. But our children are growing up. They are having children of their own. And as I listen to them I hear them sharing God’s Word with the next generation, just as we shared it with them.
I’m really starting to focus on passing on a godly legacy. All of my children and their spouses have placed their trust in Christ and are living lives as Christ-followers. Now, I’m a new grandfather and I’m starting to aim at my children’s children.
Would you join me in this? Let’s pass on a godly legacy. So, that someday when God says, “Move that bus!” We’ll stand as a family to cheer and worship Him for the home He has built for us.