From Murder to Meekness

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

The Bible has many examples of reputations that were changed. For instance, Moses grew up in Egypt, specifically in the house of Pharaoh. One day, when he was a grown man, he witnessed an Egyptian smiting a Jew. Moses killed the Egyptian in order to protect his kinsman. Bad news travels fast and Moses immediately developed a reputation as a short-tempered killer. He learned of this when he attempted to intervene during a dispute between two Hebrews. After the Pharaoh found out Moses’ identity, Moses ran for his life and spent the next forty years in hiding. Eventually, the Lord spoke to Moses and called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into a land of promise. Moses failed to lead the people into Canaan, but he succeeded in changing his tarnished reputation into something that God commended (Numbers 12:3).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):On Paul’s first missionary journey, John Mark left the work (Acts 13:13). To Paul, he had the reputation of being a “quitter” (Acts 15:36-40). Mark proved himself and Paul later commended him for his good reputation (Colossians 4:7-11; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:11).

(For everyone):Moses was forty years old when he left Egypt as a killer and eighty years old when he returned as Israel’s saviour. In the least, how long did it take Moses to change his reputation? What does this teach you about the importance of time and patience especially once we have made a mess of things?

(For everyone):What is your reputation? Is there anything you would like to change? What are you willing to do to redeem your reputation?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Thank the Lord for the opportunity to change your reputation.

Ask God for the diligence to change what needs to be changed.

SONG

Amazing Grace

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