Day 7
Topic: Repentance
Title: Butterfly metamorphosis
Truth Verses: Acts 20:21 & 2 Peter 3:9 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that
they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus… The Lord is
not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is
patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance.
Repentance is the Greek word metanoia, "after/behind one's mind”. It is a
compound word of the preposition 'meta' (after, with), and the verb 'noeo' (to
perceive, to think, the result of perceiving or observing). It combines the two meanings of time and change, which may be denoted by 'after' and 'different'; so that the whole compound means: 'to think differently after'.
Truth Story: Symbolism can also be found in comparing the butterfly metamorphosis (transformation) to Christian metanoia (conversion or transformation). The transformation of the life cycle of a butterfly’s egg larva, growing to a caterpillar, weaving into a pupa and ultimately emerging as an adult butterfly – this process is known as metamorphosis.
Truth Unpacked: There is a monument in Enterprise, Alabama, U.S.A. built in honour and appreciation of an agricultural pest –the Boll Weevil. The Boll Weevil insect appeared in Alabama in 1915. By 1918 farmers were losing whole cotton crops to the beetle. A gentleman by the name of H.M. Sessions saw this as an opportunity for change – converting the area to peanut farming. In 1916 he convinced C.W. Baston, an indebted farmer, to back his venture. The first crop of peanuts paid off their debts and was bought by farmers seeking to change their debts to credits. Cotton was grown again, but farmers learned to diversify their crops, bringing new wealth to Coffee County, Alabama. Bon Fleming, a local businessman, came up with the idea to build the monument and helped to finance its cost. As a tribute to how something disastrous can be a catalyst for change for the better this is a continual reminder of how the people of Enterprise adjusted in the face of adversity. The monument depicts a female figure in flowing gown with arms stretched above her head. She raises high a trophy which is topped with a larger than life-size boll weevil.
Pray: It’s the goodness of God that leads me to repentance. I know you desire that all people should repent – Lord grant me repentance unto life. I also realise that repentance is not just a one off act at salvation, but a new daily lifestyle choice. Change me Lord today and every day for your glory. Amen.
