The gift of a second chance.

Scripture Reading — Zechariah 1:1-6 “Return to me ... and I will return to you.” Zechariah 1:3 — The clock counted down to midnight, and the partygoers cheered the beginning of a new year. While everyone was enjoying themselves, one woman engaged in a moment of selfreflection. “Everyone needs a second chance,” she said. She was right. We’ve all spoken words we want to take back. We’ve made decisions that we wish we could change. Maybe we look back over our life and are filled with regrets. God promises a second chance! Zechariah ministered to God’s people as they restarted life in the promised land. He warned the people that if they wanted to thrive in the land, they had to be careful not to repeat the mistakes of their ancestors. So Zechariah called God’s people to a life of repentance. He urged them to renew their commitment to God and his Word. When Israel turned back to God, they would enjoy a renewed relationship with him! God extends his promise to us as well. We have all failed in the past, but God assures us that repentance brings renewal. When we turn from our sin and look to Christ, God forgives us and gives us a new beginning. We begin to enjoy the presence of God in our life, and we begin to live the way God desires. Have you discovered the joy that comes from beginning again with God? Prayer God, forgive us when we insist on doing things our own way. Lead us out of our sin and into lives that are pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.