“Go, tell His disciples – and Peter.” Mark 16:7 NKJV
“The Gospel is written in the lives of people who didn’t get it right the first time.”
My thoughts today are about “second chances.”
Everybody needs a second chance at one time or another, because nobody gets it right the first time, every time. Do you remember when you got one? Remember giving one to someone else? A second chance is really what grace is about; it’s not owed to you. You don’t deserve it; there’s nothing you can do to earn it. It’s simple. You need a second chance; a friend gives it.
Peter thought he was expansive in giving second chances when he asked Jesus how many times he should do so. Seven times? That sounds generous, and is. Peter thought he was being extravagant with forgiveness. Remember Jesus’ response? Who’s counting? “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Read Matthew 18:21-35 NKJV. The number was not the point; a limit was not the issue. Give second chances until you are no longer counting! That’s what God does for you. When Paul described the attributes of God’s love, he wrote, “Love keeps no score of wrongs . . love never gives up.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 JBPhilips.
I am fortunate to have been given second chances along the way – all of them needed, few deserved, most unexpected, all appreciated. Isn’t that your story as well? God has been gracious; people have been generous. I hope I have given more than I have gotten, but who’s counting?
When you consider many whose stories are in the Bible, you see what second chances are and what a difference they can make. Abraham had several; Jacob needed plenty; Joseph’s brothers could not believe theirs; David marveled at the grace given to him; Saul, Peter, John Mark, and even Judas have a similar testimony. The story of the Gospel is written in the lives of people who didn’t get it right the first time, or even the times that followed.
The prophet Jeremiah was sent by God to the potter’s house where he saw a vivid picture of grace that redeems, “I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as it seemed best to him.” Jeremiah 18:1-10 NIV. The potter’s first design was marred, but God is the God of a second chance.
You know the story so pertinent to this season of the church year. Jesus is arrested and Peter denies ever knowing Jesus. Peter slips into the dark of night and weeps bitter tears of regret for lost chances. It’s over; nothing could fix this. He had his chance and messed up. Jesus is crucified and buried. Then the buzz was all about an empty tomb and angels announcing “Jesus is risen!” The angels had a message from the risen Jesus, “Go tell His disciples – and Peter – that Jesus is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him.” Mark 16:6-8 NKJV. When Peter heard the women’s story, he could not believe his ears. Did they say, “And Peter?”
The message of a second chance – even seventy times seven – was a personal invitation to a man who needed just another chance. If you are struggling with bitter memories of lost chances, repeated mistakes, and missed opportunities, listen! I think you may hear your name being called. A second chance has your name on it today!
My prayer for you today is that you don’t give up on yourself ever; God will not!