New Growth The other day I noticed something peculiar on the tree that had been half-way devoured by tent caterpillars (see "Take Him Seriously" posted on November 1, 2011). New leaves are forming on some of the bare branches! Even though I came dangerously close to causing the demise of my favorite tree by disregarding expert advice and instead taking the easy way, God is giving me, and this tree, a second chance!
Pride There are many instances recorded in the Bible when God gave one of His people another chance after a big blunder. One that comes to mind is Moses. "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend." (Exodus 33:11) This guy was pretty close to God! But toward the end of the Israelites' time of wandering in the desert, Moses messed up pretty bad. Not only did he disregard the specific instructions of God, to speak to the rock in order to bring forth water from within, but he took credit for the miracle, asking the people, "must we bring you water out of this rock?" (Numbers 20:6-13, emphasis mine) This act of disobedience lost him the chance to enter into the promised land, but God still listened to his prayers (see Numbers 21:7-9) and considered Moses to be the leader of His people.
All is Not Lost What about David, the man God considered to be one after His own heart? (Acts 13:22) He fell big time when he took another man's wife, slept with her, killed her husband and took her as his own wife. He lived in this deceptive state of sin for about a year before God sent Nathan to show him the truth. After David repented and returned to the Lord, God gave him a second chance. Even though there were many consequences to his sin, such as the death of his son and strife in his family, David was forgiven by God through the prophet Nathan and given another son, Solomon, who succeeded David as king. (2 Samuel 12:13, 24-25)
The Rock When Jesus walked the earth, Peter was perhaps his most zealous disciple. He claimed he would die for Jesus! But when push came to shove and Jesus was standing accused before the Jewish leaders, Peter acted as if he didn't know his beloved friend, and even denied his name! (Matthew 26:69-75) All was not lost, however, because Peter became one of the most influential leaders of the first church, preaching, healing and performing miracles in the power of God's Spirit. (see the book of Acts) Why would the Lord use such a seemingly spineless man unless He was a God of second chances?
As human beings, we are going to disobey, mess up and think that things will never be the same with God. Don't believe it! The One who made you and calls you by name is a God who gives second, third and fourth chances. After all, He is all about our heart.
"The LORD does not look at the things people look at.
People look at the outward appearance,
but the LORD looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will hold a higher view of the grace and mercy of our Creator.
Where do I need a second chance?
Where do I need to extend a second chance to others?
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