Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.

John 21:7

Recommended Reading

2 Samuel 12:18-25

Radio humorist Garrison Keillor is fond of saying there is nothing like a slice of rhubarb pie to wipe the taste of shame and humiliation out of one’s mouth. That is funny, but not true. Yet everyone longs for a way to have the past wiped clean; everyone longs for the innumerable second chances life seems to require. Fortunately, God is the God of second chances.

It comes down to His grace and mercy. Grace gives us blessings we don’t deserve; mercy withholds judgment we do deserve. The list of people in the Bible who experienced grace and mercy is long and noteworthy. Moses the murderer got a second chance, as did David the adulterer. Jonah the rebellious prophet was shown mercy. Naomi was allowed to return home to start over. Paul was forgiven for persecuting Jesus, as was Peter for disowning Him. Grace and mercy are extended to all who will receive them.

If you need a second chance in life, receive it from God (1 John 1:9). And, having received yours, extend the same to others (Ephesians 4:32).

Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence.

Augustine

Read-Thru-the-Bible

1 Kings 8 – 9

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