Legacies.

On Friday of last week (this being the first day of the week – so why do we consider it to be part of the ‘weekend’??), the death was announced of Keith Waterhouse, a well-known British journalist and writer. Many tributes have been paid to the late Mr Waterhouse with regard to what one newspaper referred to as “… wonderful novels, sparklingly witty dramas, a cast some of the most splendid characters in modern fiction, and joyously wry observations on day to day life.” (Daily Mail, editorial).

The final comment in that editorial article was “Fleet Street may have lost a genius and a legend – but what magnificent gifts he left behind.”

This morning and afternoon, I conducted the service of Holy Communion/the Lord’s Supper in Calderhead-Erskine Parish Church – in nearby Shotts and Allanton. In doing so, we remembered One Who died almost 2,000 years ago. During the message (sermon!) I recalled an incident from an old, fictional, television series about a Royal Navy frigate, in which the vessel came upon a lone yachtsman who turned out to be a retired Vice-Admiral of the Fleet. This man had had a great reputation but, as the storyline unfolded, we learned that it was based on a lie, and he had set out to sea, in his yacht, to commit suicide.

When the Commander of the frigate realised this, he tried to persuade the Admiral to return with him, in the ship. But the Admiral’s reply was, “I have a debt to pay.” “But must you pay it with your life, sir?” asked the Commander. The answer came, full of sadness and regret: “Yes, Commander. It’s that sort of debt.”

“It’s that sort of debt.” It can only be paid with my life!

I wonder if you can envision the picture that comes to my mind every time I think of that story. I see Almighty God, looking down on a sinful humanity. And I see Him arranging to send the Son, the only-begotten Son, to die a horrible and agonising death on the cross at Calvary. And, in my vision, an angel asks “Why?” The Lord replies “The debt must be paid.” “But, Lord”, enquires the angel, “Must it be paid with His life?” “Yes,” says the Father, “It’s that sort of debt.”

And so, freely, in love, He gave the Son to die; not to repay a debt of His own, but to repay the debt of your sin, and of mine.

Keith Waterhouse may well have left a legacy of excellent literary work. However, it does nothing to bring me forgiveness and salvation from the wrath of God that I deserve. The ‘legacy’ of the Lord Jesus is salvation, full and free. Now that’s what I call a magnificent gift to leave behind! And that isn’t even the end of the story – but that’s for another post!