A second chance.
Have you ever thought, “If only I could just have a second chance. . .”?
I have. So did Peter.
Imagine the anguish the disciple, Peter, experienced on the Sabbath day between the crucifixion and the resurrection. The day before, he had vehemently argued at the Last Supper that he would never desert Jesus. Jesus had just told his disciples that all of them would desert him that very night. But, Peter refused to believe Jesus and argued with him.
“Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Matthew 26: 33-35 nlt.
Later, the scriptures tell us that Peter wept bitterly after proving himself wrong.
We all need a second chance.
Oddly, even though Jesus said earlier that all the disciples would desert him, we only remember Peter’s denial. Perhaps, it’s because Peter was so sure of himself. So bold that he didn’t stop to consider who Jesus was.
I can relate to Peter. Too many times to mention, I’ve thought, “I’ve got this all figured out.” Or, “I would never do that!” Or, even worse, “I know better, God.” Even worse than that, I’ve forgotten who God is.
That’s where Peter was. “I know better” is what he was really saying to Jesus. The disciple had walked many miles with Jesus. He had witnessed the Almighty God in human form doing divine acts. Peter knew Jesus was the Son of God. Yet, he forgot what that meant and diminished his view of the God-man, Jesus of Nazareth, to that of a mortal man.
Oh, the regret. By the time the Sabbath ended, I imagine Peter thinking, “If I just had a second chance, I would do things differently.”
As a sinner, I needed a second chance to have a relationship with God. As a Christ follower, I still tend to forget to hold up the Son of man as the God-man.
How did Jesus react?
Though beaten, scorned, and shamed, Jesus’ love for Peter remained. As he hung on the cross, Jesus’ love for Peter was certain. While Jesus lay in the tomb, his love never failed.
How can I be so sure of Christ’s unwavering love? (We discussed this in Sunday School this morning) Because, on that Sunday morning, Jesus sent an angel to announce that he was risen from the dead and had the messenger specifically mention Peter as his disciple.
“But the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.” Mark 16 6-7 nlt.
Are you ready for a second chance?
Perhaps, you’ve fallen short of the mark. Whether you did it intentionally or realized your misstep only after you thought you knew more than God, understand that God, the Father, understands.
God loves you. He loved you so much that he sent Jesus who endured the cross for you. This Jesus rose from the dead for you.
God offers all humankind a second chance. He knows your name and calls you to accept his offer of a second chance.
Don’t deny him. Claim him for who he is. The King of kings wants a relationship with you. Accept his second chance.
On another note:
I am so excited that my debut novel, RUNNING FROM ASPERITY will be ready for pre-orders on Amazon this week! Read about Linda, the main character in the story, who is desperate for a second chance. Watch for RUNNING FROM ASPERITY on my Amazon author page. To be the first to hear about the novel and chances for giveaways sign up for my newsletter here.
