“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”  (Luke 15:20 NIV) 

Perhaps one of the most memorable and heart-touching stories of grace, forgiveness and second chances are recorded in Luke 15. It’s what we’ve come to know as the Story of the Prodigal Son. This young man demanded his inheritance while his father was still alive, spent it all on riotous living, and found himself dirty, destitute, and despairing. As despicable as pigs were to Jews, this young man took a job taking care of pigs and eating their food just to stay alive. But then he had an epiphany.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death. I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father.” (Luke 15:17-20) 

Some commentaries say his father never gave up on wanting his son to come home.   He was looking for a sign each day as he was waiting and praying that his son would return.   He had a sense of expectancy and there is nothing passive about that.  

While “he was still a long way off” (verse 20), the father spotted his son on the horizon. Filled with compassion, he picked up the edges of his robe and ran. He didn’t wait for his son to come to him, grovel at his feet, and beg for forgiveness.  As soon as the father caught a glimpse of his son, he dashed toward his boy, smothered him with kisses, and welcomed him home.

Other examples in the Old and New Testaments bear witness to a forgiving God. Think of Moses, who murdered a man (Exodus 2:11-15); Jonah, who fled from God's command (Jonah 1); David, who committed adultery and had a man murdered (2 Samuel 11:14-17); Rahab, who was a prostitute in Jericho (Joshua 2); Peter, who denied even knowing Jesus after spending three years with Him (Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:55-62, John 18:15-17 and 25-27); and when the criminal was dying on the cross next to Jesus asks for Him to remember him, Christ responds by saying He will see him in paradise (Luke 23:32–43).  Each of these stand as testimonies of God's grace.

Jesus is the greatest witness of all as we examine His life.   He was sent here to proclaim the good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight   for the blind, set the oppressed free and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:18-19).  His ministry would be marked by fresh starts and second chances for those whom many view as outcasts.  We see how He redeemed and elevated people others convicted and condemned. We see that He professed the unwavering power of redemption in their lives.  Jesus never wanted or envisioned His forgiveness to stop with Him.

Just as God is in the business of giving second chances, He wants His people, you and I, to do the same. Jesus explains that forgiving others is tied to our own forgiveness: "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:15). Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Peter came to Jesus and asked how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him. Surely seven times would be enough, Peter thought. But Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Jesus is not saying that holding someone accountable is wrong but rather he is conveying the idea of continual forgiveness.   

God gives second chances. Actually, God gives us more than just second chances; He gives us millions of chances, because despite our endless mistakes and sins God still loves us. Most of us have regrets, whether it is by having pride, judging others, denying God’s will in our lives or giving into temptation.   After letting God down so many times it is hard to understand that God still has a plan to use us to do His will.  I believe He uses each and every one of us to accomplish His purposes just as He used those in the Bible. We are called as God's people to offer second chance opportunities to others because we have all been given the ultimate second chance in Christ.  Do you offer second chances of forgiveness to others as you would want it offered to you?

Prayer:

God of second chances you make our life new each day.

We come to You as people who are not perfect and have sinned and fallen short of Your expectations.  You have not turned your back on us.  We know we are not worthy to have Your Grace overflowing in our lives.  We are thankful and humbled by Your forgiveness in giving us second chances, and we want you to know how much we love you and long to follow you all the days of our lives.   In Christ’s Holy Name,   Amen
 

My love and prayers,

Ann

Image of Drawing: Return of the Prodigal Son by Jean Louis Forain, 1852–1931