The God of Second Chances

“He told them, this is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46-47

“Beginning at Jerusalem.” These 3 amazing words tell us much about the love and grace of our great Savior.

You know the story. He came to his own, but they didn’t receive him. He was despised and rejected, and we hid our faces from him and held him in low esteem. (Isaiah 53:3)

For 3 years he performed miracles and healed them. He tirelessly, preached to them on the streets, in the temple and in the wilderness. Crowds followed him everywhere. But the religious leaders hated him and in the end the people chose a murderer to set free, instead of Jesus. His friends ran. His mother and a few women watched him die a lonely death.

It’s hard to believe that Jerusalem would be the starting place for God to show any mercy. They heard and saw the Lord of Glory and rejected him, then put him to death. This town did not deserve another visit from above.

But Jesus is the God of second chances. After he rose from the dead, He sent his followers back to the temple saying, “let all of Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified both Lord and Messiah.” (Acts 2:36)

You remember the story. “They were cut to the heart” and this time heaven’s gates opened to thousands of the undeserving.

What about you friend? You’ve heard the story. You’ve been rejecting him so long, maybe you think it’s too late for you. Jesus just came back to your town. You know what to do.

“Lord Jesus, forgive me for treating you so badly and taking part in your death. I do not deserve anything good from you. And yet, you have become everything for me. Thank you for your great love to undeserving sinners!”