God of Second Chances

The book of Ezra is one that describes the return of the people of God to the land of their fathers after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. The people had formerly sinned in their idolatry and were taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. God was now bringing them back into the land, to give them another chance of serving and following Him.

Ezra, who is a descendant of Aaron, effectively communicated the Lord’s requirements and it led the people into a time of repentance and renewal. The people returned to their covenant relationship with God and renewed their promises to follow Him.

In the book of Revelation, the angel’s charge to the church of Ephesus is that they had left their first love (Rev 2:4). They were actually commended for many things- their good works; their perseverance and patience; their labour for the Lord. But they had left their first love! The message to the church at Ephesus is something we have to hear too. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent” (Rev 2:5).

My friend, now is the time to take stock of our hearts and check our intentions and motives to see if we have fallen from our first love.

As we read through the Bible, from the time of the fall, we see our God as a God of not only a second chance but also a third and a fourth chance too. If it had not been so, I would not be here now. How many times I have strayed from His love but He always came looking for me; calling me through His Word and speaking to me through songs and messages!

My friend, wherever you may be now, it does not matter. The reason for falling away is not important. How long you have strayed away is not important. Where you are in life’s journey is not important. What is important is that you return to the Lord now; return to your first love now. Only that is important.

God is waiting to give us one more chance to serve Him and follow Him.

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 26th October 2017 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 27th September 2017

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