Second chance
Luke 16:27-29 (NIV)
27 He answered, “Then I beg you Father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,
28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.”
29 Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.”
Good morning!
Have you ever wished for a second chance to get something right? I find myself wishing for a do-over every now and then. How I longed for that “second chance” in math class. The blackboard was a scary place to undertake public problem solving. Thirty pairs of eyes are focused on the one working a complicated equation. Hoping to get it right the first time, I put forth my very best effort. Even my most sincere attempt was not good enough. I failed at the blackboard, and longed for a reprieve from the humiliation that comes with making a miscalculation for all to see and judge.
I observed my grandson’s frustration as he tried to work an online computer puzzle. The pieces were not fitting together properly, and Jett was becoming agitated. At one point, he threw up his hands in despair and said, “Grandma, I can’t do this. The pieces don’t fit together!” Jett was determined to finish the puzzle. He made a sincere effort, but it wasn’t enough, and the puzzle was left unfinished.
Jesus told his disciples a parable about a rich man’s plight in the ever after. This man had more than he could ever want or hope for on earth. He pampered himself with the finest things that money could buy. His neighbor, a poor, blind beggar named Lazarus, lay outside the gate of the city, starving and in pain, wishing that someone would care enough to stop and help him. When both men died, the rich man found himself in an eternal place of torment, while the beggar walked alongside Father Abraham, in a place where pain was no more. The rich man cried out for help from above. Father Abraham reminded the rich man that he was comforted in life with so many good things, while his neighbor Lazarus suffered tremendous pain. Now, Lazarus is receiving his comfort in heaven, while the rich man remains in eternal separation and agony.
The rich man regretted his self-centered lifestyle and knew he had set a poor example for his brothers. He begged Father Abraham to send Lazarus to his family, hoping they would believe a dead man and follow the Lord, rather than their own selfish ambitions. Father Abraham reminded the rich man that every person has the opportunity to choose to faith or folly. The life work of Moses and the prophets were more than enough to guide people into relationship with the Father. These ordinary men sacrificed their own personal comfort to follow God’s call on their life, and were justly rewarded for their faithfulness.
Do you need a second chance today? Is your formula for living based on faith or folly? If the puzzle pieces of your life are not fitting together the way you know they should, God offers you a do-over today, through His son Jesus Christ. As long as you have breath in your body, it is not too late to turn around and ask Jesus to help you. He suffered, died and rose again, because of His love for you and for me. Jesus gives us the second chance we all long for. Won’t you give your heart to Him today?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: a second chance to live your life for Jesus. He will help you! Jesus offers us a do-over today. Will you take a chance on Him?
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© Copyright 2006, Deb Spaulding
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