“But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him as he said unto you.”--Mark 16:7
Have you ever been given a second chance? Was it State Farm Insurance that ran the commercial about the daughter who wrecked the car in an accident, but was trusted with the keys to the family’s new car?
There have been many people that we have known in our life experience who have benefited from a second chance. We are accustomed to second chances; we like to read about those who lost it, but found it again.
As Christians, we are happy that God has given all of us a second chance. It is as if we were thrown out of the fight for the kingdom and somehow been thrown back in again. Like others who have the same testimony, we have pledged to give him our best for the rest of our days.
This text focuses on the command given by an angel of the Lord to tell a failed disciple to return to service. It takes place at the site of the empty tomb on the morning of the resurrection. The women came to anoint the body of Jesus and found the tomb empty. They were greeted by an Angel, who told them that Jesus had risen. A message from the Lord was left behind for the disciples about where to meet Him. Of all eleven of the disciples, Peter was singled out.
Peter had disgraced himself and did not consider himself worthy to be an Apostle. While Jesus was being tried before the high priests, Peter stood outside in the courtyard and warmed himself by the fire.
Three times he denied knowing Jesus when asked. On the third denial, he swore and cursed and acted outrageous as he tried to convince people that he was not a follower of Christ. When he had completed his denials, a rooster crowed for the second time, reminding him of the words of Jesus that before the cock crowed two times he would deny him thrice.
Although he was the man who leaped forward to cut off a soldier’s ear in the garden, walked on water, and was called “the Rock” by Christ Himself, Peter was unsure of himself and no one knew about his feelings.
He felt his failure, at a time when Christ’s life was on the line, was unforgivable. He sunk to an all time low and did not consider himself a disciple. The Angel’s message for the disciples “And Peter” was a special call to Peter to get back in the game. Christ is risen!
Peter received the news and was the first disciple to make it to the tomb. He championed the cause of Christ and became the strongest leader of the early Church. He promoted the cause of Christ until his death in Rome. He never denied the Lord again even though it meant being crucified upside down on a Roman cross.
Peter was thrown back into the kingdom building program even though he failed. He used his second chance wisely and became stronger and wiser.
We have to WATCH OUT FOR SNARES, NETS, HOOKS AND TRAPS: could trap an entire generation before they know it. The quick hands of predators can snatch away the unsuspecting and still others are lured into unsuspecting situations where they find themselves trapped.
The Bible calls hooks “snares.’ Believers are warned to stay clear of snares because they cause us to do foolish things once we are caught. The bible says in Matthew 26:41 warns us to stay clear of the snare of desire for riches. It says, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Finally, brothers and sisters, the great part about following Jesus is that even if we have fallen for the bait, found ourselves hooked or trapped, he gives us another chance to get back into life and start again.
This understanding gives believers an attitude of optimism that looks at every failed situation as a learning opportunity, not a defeat. This is what faith does for the believer; it reminds us that our Savior gives us a chance to start again and do better. The Angel’s message to Peter is addressed a man who had placed himself on the sideline.
Today, the same call is made to Christians today to get back in the game and give life your best shot! Believers cannot have a losing attitude about life. Believers are winners.
Let's visit Romans 8:37. It says “We are more than conquerors through him that loves us.” That means we are winners. Consider the difference between a loser and the winner: —A winner makes a mistake and says “it’s my fault; I’ll do better next time.” A loser says, “It wasn’t my fault.” —A winner never stops trying. The call of Christ is: “There is no need to feel sorry for yourself, have faith, I’ll put you back in.’ For Peter, the angel’s message meant that he was forgiven for his shortcomings and accepted into the full fellowship of the faith. It was a call to full Christian service.
The Master of the sea heard OUR despairing cry. From the waters of difficult times and discouraging circumstances, He lifted me now safe am I.” Why, Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, love lifted me!
Comments