I have been struck with the idea that God’s e
ntire kingdom is built around Second Chances. He gives us breaks, forgives our sins, moves us into a different future…and this to people who have blown it again and again. We are second chance citizens once we come to Christ!
There’s a place in the Bible where it talks about how we cannot please God on our own. It actually says that the law was given so that we could see that we cannot keep it- we are prone to fail. It’s not that God needed to be reminded of this, but that we need to be reminded. Otherwise I continue on my own strength, but only end up peeling myself off the ground after falling so hard.
First was Adam, Second was Christ. The old man and the new man. The law and grace. Death and Resurrection. Forgiveness. These are the things that show us that we are people of the Second chance, that although we cannot rise to a level of perfection on our own, we can become complete in Christ.
But to truly be second chance citizens, we have to extend the chances beyond ourselves. This can be the most difficult part. For although we like to have our faults overlooked, we’re not so good at overlooking (or forgiving) the faults of others. Why is it that we think everyone else should get what they really deserve, but we should be given a break? Why is it that it’s okay for us to take a mulligan, but we get irritated with others who do?
Giving second chances was the thing that set Jesus apart from the other religious leaders of the day. And it really irritated them. They tried to trap him by pulling out the law. Jesus just kept on doing it though- eating with sinners, calling tax collectors, forgiving adulterers, and healing people who may or may not come back to thank Him. He was setting up a Second Chance Community that would extend to us today.
So, live as a citizen of this Kingdom- receive and give second chances every opportunity you get.
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