Tuesday, February 16, 2010
God of the Second Chance
(I Samuel 12:6-15)
Israel, Samuel reminded the assembled crowd, was God’s peculiar people. As such, He had faithfully led them, protecting them from their enemies and chastening them in their backslidings. When the nation repented of her sins, God graciously forgave them. He also provided able judges to lead the people in battle against their enemies. God had given everything His people needed. God Himself was their king (12).
As we have already seen, the people’s request for a king was—in reality—rebellion against God. In effect, the people were insisting that their concept of a monarchy was superior to God’s plan of a theocracy. And, as previously emphasized, God allowed the people to get their way—even though it meant forsaking His.
One could easily conclude that Israel’s rejection of God would naturally result in His rejection of them. We’re perhaps a little surprised to read that Samuel gave them a second chance (14). In effect, Samuel told the people that even though they had been willful and rebellious, God would honor their repentance and desire to serve Him. Though they had rebelled in asking for a king, they could still see God’s hand of blessing. In other words, God would give them a second chance!
It’s never too late to be obedient. Even if we’ve made decisions that alter irrevocably the course of our lives, God can still forgive and ultimately bless our renewed obedience to Him. The key to God’s blessing is not unobtainable perfection. The key is a contrite heart, a willing spirit, and obedient actions. There’s life after bad choices, because God is the God of the second chance.
