INTRODUCTION

As is often the case, men’s opinions and those of God are at opposite ends of the spectrum. For instance, man emphasizes celebrating the day of one’s birth and mourns the day of one’s death. Scripture points out that the day of one’s death is far better than the day of one’s birth. Why? The day of one’s death comes with very few questions concerning the individual. The person has lived his life and left behind a reputation, good or bad. However, when a child enters into this world, he does so with numerous uncertainties. What kind of person will he be? Will he love and serve the Lord, or will he live wickedly? Only a life fully lived answers these questions. Each day’s work contributes to a man’s reputation so that death leaves few questions.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When Judas and Paul were born into this world, people did not know what they would accomplish in their lives. Yet, the end of their lives told how they would be remembered (Matthew 27:3-5 [3] Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, [4] Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. [5] And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
  See All...; 2 Timothy 4:6-7 [6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. [7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
  See All...).
• (For everyone): What do you envision will be said of you when you leave this earth in death? What is your reputation? What have you done to ensure that you have left a godly mark upon those you have influenced?
• What is known of an individual who dies that cannot yet be known of one who was just born into this world? How does this confirm that the day of death is better than the day of birth?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you leave behind a godly reputation.
• Ask God to help you clear up the uncertainties of birth.

HYMN

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

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