Psalm 49:11 gives us insight to the inner workings of the rich but godless. “Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever, Their dwelling places to all generations; They call their lands after their own names.” It is amazing how people struggle to build legacies for themselves. Think of Absalom and his quest for legacy. “Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up a pillar for himself, which is in the King’s Valley. For he said, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.” He called the pillar after his own name. And to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument.” II Samuel 18:18 NKJV. Ironically, Absalom is not remembered for anything good today but for his craftiness and rebellion.
Genuine legacy comes not by seeking one for ourselves, but by promoting a cause larger than us. More specifically, an abiding legacy comes from God.
Our text teaches a better way to legacy. It is an indirect approach. Genuine legacy comes not by seeking one for ourselves, but by promoting a cause larger than us. More specifically, an abiding legacy comes from God. Today, David’s name looms large; however, that was not his objective. Also in our text, the goal of the author was to ensure that the name of the Lord is remembered in all generations. That is still happening today. Interestingly, every time the name of the Lord is remembered through this psalm, we remember the author as well. Focus on making God known; He will in turn give you glorious remembrance.
