Making the Most of Second Chances
In America, we love comeback stories. We love to give people second chances.
Michael Vick, convicted in a dog-fighting ring, served almost two years in federal prison, missed three seasons of football, and came back to successfully start at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Robert Downey, Jr.'s acting career was derailed due to alcoholism and drug abuse. After finally gaining sobriety, he starred in Iron Man and is now one of the hottest actors in the industry.
We celebrate second chances in America. We make movies about them. Why do you think "Rocky" is so popular. It's about a second chance.
In the Bible, Jesus gave Lazarus a second chance at life - quite literally. John 11 says Lazarus had been dead four days by the time Jesus arrived in Bethany. Martha was even afraid to remove the stone on the grave because the stench would be horrible. Instead, Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, and he hobbled out in grave clothes.
From that point on, Lazarus pointed to Jesus. His second chance was an opportunity for others to see the power of Jesus first hand. Everywhere he went, he was pointed out as the guy who Jesus raised to life. When he ate or went to temple or just walked down the street, his life pointed to Jesus. He was LIVING PROOF that Jesus was the Messiah.
Lazarus became dangerous - at least to the chief priest who wanted Jesus gone.
"Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him." - John 12:9-11
The chief priests decided Lazarus had to go. His life was evidence of Jesus and his power, thus he needed to be eliminated too.
Imagine being that much of a witness for Christ. Everywhere he went, his life pointed to Christ. So much so, that he became a threat to the chief priest.
If you are a believer who is making a difference in the world and pointing to Christ, you are a target. People will come after you and try to discredit you. You will find opposition. But know you are not alone.
So the question becomes: What are you doing with your second chance? Lazarus pointed to Jesus. What are you pointing to? Is anyone scared of your witness?
Maybe it's time we starting point to the God of second chances.
Michael Vick, convicted in a dog-fighting ring, served almost two years in federal prison, missed three seasons of football, and came back to successfully start at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Robert Downey, Jr.'s acting career was derailed due to alcoholism and drug abuse. After finally gaining sobriety, he starred in Iron Man and is now one of the hottest actors in the industry.
We celebrate second chances in America. We make movies about them. Why do you think "Rocky" is so popular. It's about a second chance.
In the Bible, Jesus gave Lazarus a second chance at life - quite literally. John 11 says Lazarus had been dead four days by the time Jesus arrived in Bethany. Martha was even afraid to remove the stone on the grave because the stench would be horrible. Instead, Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, and he hobbled out in grave clothes.
From that point on, Lazarus pointed to Jesus. His second chance was an opportunity for others to see the power of Jesus first hand. Everywhere he went, he was pointed out as the guy who Jesus raised to life. When he ate or went to temple or just walked down the street, his life pointed to Jesus. He was LIVING PROOF that Jesus was the Messiah.
Lazarus became dangerous - at least to the chief priest who wanted Jesus gone.
"Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him." - John 12:9-11
The chief priests decided Lazarus had to go. His life was evidence of Jesus and his power, thus he needed to be eliminated too.
Imagine being that much of a witness for Christ. Everywhere he went, his life pointed to Christ. So much so, that he became a threat to the chief priest.
If you are a believer who is making a difference in the world and pointing to Christ, you are a target. People will come after you and try to discredit you. You will find opposition. But know you are not alone.
So the question becomes: What are you doing with your second chance? Lazarus pointed to Jesus. What are you pointing to? Is anyone scared of your witness?
Maybe it's time we starting point to the God of second chances.
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