Nobel Love

I recently read a very odd story regarding the history behind the Nobel Prizes inaugurated by the famous Swedish chemist, Alfred Nobel.  While having made his fortune as an inventor of explosives, which Nobel licensed the formula to governments for weaponry; he experienced an unusual event in his life which enlightened this successful chemist.  Although Nobel’s brother had passed away the obituary intended for his brother, Ludvig Nobel, read that Alfred had actually been the one to pass.  Upon reading his own obituary in a French newspaper which according to one source read, The Merchant of Death is Dead, Alfred began to ponder the reality of that for which he wanted to be remembered. 

Immediately he began rearranging the focus of his life work.  After dying himself in San Remo, Italy of a brain hemorrhage approximately twelve years later, Alfred’s will revealed a startling bequeath.  His last wishes were that a series of prizes be established using his fortunes, which amounted to roughly $186 million at that time, to recognize and honor men and women who excelled or rather who made the "greatest benefit on mankind” in the areas of literature, medicine, physics, chemistry, peace, and economics.  Alfred Nobel’s legacy was born out of a desire to be known for something good rather than something destructive. 

While speaking of our demise or passing is taboo or undesired by some the reality is we will all face the same fate of death one day, unless Jesus Christ returns before we die.  Just as Nobel had a choice of how he wanted to be remembered, we too have that same opportunity to determine our remembrance.  As I look back over the years there have been many people come and go in my life.  Some have made an indelible impact while others have not.  Some have been men or women of encouragement, stimulating me to be a greater person while some have simply tried, maybe not knowingly,  to cause or hamper me to not achieve my God ordained purpose.  When we attend the funeral of someone we love or care about the minister often says may great things about that person ranging from accomplishments in life to the impact he or she may have had on others.  I wonder what the minister will say about me when I die.  I wonder what others in attendance will remember about me.  I wonder what those who chose not to attend will remember about me.  Though some may think this self-centered or morbid, I do not intend it to those ends.  Rather, I want to think of how I might be a better person for God and others.

Like Nobel I think I will choose to live my life in such a way that I will be remembered for doing the right thing, loving people regardless of how they might treat me.  I think I will choose to live my life in such a way that I have pleased my heavenly Father by seeking to follow His two greatest commands to Love God and Love People!  While I may not always please everyone, may I please my God and be remembered as one who sought to love Him and love all people. 

This week we have celebrated Valentine’s Day.  Many have given cards, flowers, candy, gifts, gone to dinner, etc…but what will happen next week?  How will we live our lives toward one another after Valentine’s Day?  Will we be remembered as kind, tenderhearted, compassionate, and loving? Keep in mind love, according to Matthew 5:43-48, is not reserved exclusively for those who are our friends.  The past two messages I have offered on Sunday mornings have dealt with the issue “Now is the Time to Love.”  Let’s be remembered as a people who love one another.  Jesus told us in John 13:35, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  Lord, let me (us) be known by our love!  Alfred Nobel’s legacy was born out of a desire to be known for something good rather than something destructive.  What will birth your legacy?

 

Pastor Ric