Second Chances Episode 77
Is there a time for second chances? Of course, there is and we see that again and again in the Scriptures. We find the opportunities in our own lives to try for a second time. We are close to the New Year as I record this episode and one of the traditions is making a New Year’s Resolution. For years, I’m not afraid to admit I would not do it because I was afraid of failure. If you don’t make a resolution, a plan, and attempt to change then guess what? There is no failure. Or is there?
Well, just the simple act of not doing anything in truth is failure. We must strive to make gains each day, to grow in our faith, in our relationships and be present for those around us. When we make a plan or a resolution to change our behavior or bad habits we are trying to become a better person not just for ourselves but for those who surround us.
The Bible is a wonderful example to use for ourselves to see the way that we were redeemed throughout Scriptures. Much importance is put on Moses and freeing the Israelites from oppression, and we know the story, the Israelites at first could not leave behind the idols and we learn that not only did Moses go up to the mountain of Mt.Sinai to receive the 10 Commandments from God, but he went up twice! How often have you said, well if I were the people of Israel I would have been so happy to leave Egypt that I would want to change.
Habits. We get into bad habits and we have the hardest time letting them go. So, the people of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years until they were shown the promised land. This was definitely a trial by fire. Yet, they were God’s chosen people.
Did you ever wonder what happened once they were in the promised land? You can read about it in Nehemiah Chapter 7 and then 8 – in this passage it tells us that Ezra the scribe was asked to bring out the book of the law of Moses “which the Lord had given to Israel,” and he read it from the town square in the presence of men and women, some who were specifically named in the Scriptures. Read Ezra 8:5-6
The people were so overwhelmed by the Word that they prostrated themselves on the ground. This was an opportunity for the people of Jerusalem to change their ways.
How different of a reception to the 10 Commandments to the people who had wandered and their descendants! Radically different. When we suffer we learn don’t we. We don’t want to make the same mistakes. The people of Israel had just returned after generations in exile so living according to the law would be something they were interested in that they bowed and worshiped the Lord with their faces on the ground. It was now an opportunity to change their lives and those of their descendants for the better.
In Isaiah 61:1 we also hear a call for freedom from captivity.
What captivity? What is darkness for prisoners? What are you captive to? What is the darkness that makes you feels as if you are a prisoner? It can be something simple from a bad habit, biting your nails, or eating the wrong foods that cause sickness or even telling lies, bad jokes, or gossip. Or it can be serious, and addiction that needs help.
God is a healer. He has brought us the good news to the oppressed and to bind the brokenhearted.
We often face rejection. From those nearest to us, those we love, our friends, neighbors – but Jesus too was rejected in his own home town as he was reading from Isaiah.
Luke 4:16-20 (read)
It was the beginning of his ministry – Jesus gave them a new opportunity, a new beginning a new life in essence. While many in his town rejected it we have a choice.
It is a free will choice. Will you be set free by the power of Jesus Christ? Will you let go of past hurts, of those you can’t forgive of all the ways you keep thinking about the way people have hurt you. Friends, we need to let it go. Life is not fair and we only get one life to live so how do you chose to live your life?
Let’s pray. Jesus, I chose you – I choose you every single time. I am thankful Lord and I give you all the praise. Thank you for coming for us, thank you for setting us free from oppression and from slavery. I chose yes Lord. I chose to follow your ways, to follow the ten commandments to being a new year, and a year acceptable to the Lord, or in the Lord’s favor. I ask Lord for the following need that is pressing on my heart and mind… Thank you Lord for your miracles and I know you can work miracles in my life as well. I thank you no matter what the outcome and I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.
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