Submitted by Sam Nobles
But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you. (Mark 16:7 ESV)
But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you. (Mark 16:7 ESV)
Does
God give second chances to people who fail him? If you’re not sure just ask a
fisherman named Simon Peter. Not only did Peter rebuke the Lord Jesus (Matthew 16:22), he also claimed to be
his most reliable disciple (Matthew
26:33). To add injury to insult, in a moment of crisis, when the Romans
came to arrest Jesus, Peter ran away to save himself (Mark 14:50). Not to beat Peter up too bad, but he also blatantly denies
Jesus with curse words after Jesus warned him that it would happen (Matthew 26:73-75). It’s not like Peter
didn’t feel bad about all of this. He felt so bad about his failures that he
ran out into the night and wept bitterly (Luke
22:62).
Back
to the question: Does God allow second chances for those who have completely
failed him? The answer is positively, “Yes!” The day Jesus Resurrected he left
special instruction with the angel at the tomb to make sure that his disciples,
especially Peter, know that he had risen from the dead. When Jesus and Peter
finally met face to face after the Resurrection, Jesus allowed Peter
opportunity to affirm his love and commitment to him (John 21:15-17). Peter had denied Jesus three times, so Jesus
allowed Peter to confess his love three times. Peter cursed and swore that he
didn’t know Jesus over a charcoal fire, so Jesus allowed Peter to fellowship
and “get to know him” over a charcoal fire. This second chance was a turning
point for Peter. The Lord chose him to be the spokesperson for the Church on
the Day of Pentecost. His message led 3,000 people into salvation that day.
This
devotion may have been a little misleading. I’ve spent much of your time
letting you see that God gives second chances, but the truth is our God
is the God of unlimited chances. No matter where you are or how many
times you have blown it, God is there to heal your broken heart, mend your torn
emotions, and reorient you to himself so you can believe in him and follow him
with confidence. Let me encourage you to never give up; even when you mess up
big time. Remember how the Lord restored Peter, and know he will do the same
for you because he loves you that much.
Scripture to Claim:
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite
heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:17 ESV)
