SCRIPTURE: Numbers 26
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Forty years have passed. Now is the time to prepare to enter the promised land. This is a new beginning, a new people. None of those numbered in Numbers 1 (twenty years and older) is still alive, except Moses, Joshua and Caleb. These people are described as “the Israelites who came out of Egypt” (Numbers 26:4b). They are Israel, God’s people, and this is a new beginning. You might say this chapter is God’s way of saying ‘let’s try this again’. And so the men of the tribes are counted for military purposes, the army of Israel.
I am reminded of another time when God reissues His call, through Jesus, to one that has failed Him. Think about Peter, who denied Jesus and actually pronounced a curse on himself if he was lying [which he was, see Matthew 26:68-75]. Is this failure the end for Peter? No, we see him recommissioned by Jesus, three times: “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. [John 21:15-17] Notice that Jesus, Who had renamed him ‘Peter’, here calls him Simon. It’s like he’s starting over… which he is!
God is a God of new beginnings. Though with Israel God started over with a whole new generation – “as a warning sign” [Numbers 26:10], God punishes Jesus in our place so that we can have a clean slate, a new beginning. Nothing in your past can prevent you (and me) from making a clean start. Even Peter, who cursed himself, is invited to start afresh. Don’t let Satan trick you into thinking that God could not forgive you. With God, the past has been dealt with (on the cross), your mess has been cleaned up, your failures have been acknowledged, forgiven and forgotten. When He sees us through Jesus, He sees a new creation, a saint (holy one). And He says, ‘let’s try this again!’ Our God is a God of second chances! Will you take Him up on the offer?
PRAYER:
Lord, I have had so many chances that I have blown. More than three times. Yet You remind me that I can be forgiven seventy seven times [Matthew 18:22]. Thank You for giving me another chance!