God Of The Second Chance

GOD OF THE SECOND CHANCE

a prayer to open

Holy Spirit, come. Center my heart.

Fill my mind. Guide my steps.

“God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. King David said this about him:

‘I see that the LORD is always with me.

I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad,

and my tongue shouts his praises!

My body rests in hope.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead

or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.

You have shown me the way of life,

and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.’

“Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn’t referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne. David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah’s resurrection. . . .

“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us. . . . For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said,

‘The LORD said to my Lord,

“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand

until I humble your enemies,

making them a footstool under your feet.”’

“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” . . .

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Our God grants second chances. And there is no better example of that truth than what we see in this passage. Peter explained to those gathered that the coming of the Holy Spirit was brought about by the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. And God had promised that very event long ago through the prophets. Despite Peter’s listeners’ involvement in Jesus’ death, they still could receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit by repenting. The same is true for us. Regardless of anything we have ever done—no matter how destructive, immoral, or dark—we can receive forgiveness by turning to God with repentant hearts.

• Read this passage again. What word or phrase stands out to you? Sit quietly, reminding yourself that you are in God’s loving presence, and ask him to show you how that word or phrase connects to your life.
• Reflect on a time you asked someone for a second chance. How did it feel to ask? What was the response?
• When have you failed to model God by refusing someone a second chance? What motivated you to withhold a second chance?

Father, thank you for the many second chances you have extended to me. Thank you for the way you continue to transform me and mold me into your likeness. I want to be someone who freely grants second chances and extends your generous grace in this world full of judgment, condemnation, and hate. Remind me of your Holy Spirit’s presence and your power within me to be a giver of second chances. Amen.