The gift of second chances

- Excerpted from "Life Lessons from Bible People" The Gift of Mercy
(orig. ttle)


To Abiathar the priest the king said,..."You deserve to die, but I will
not put you to death now." (1 Kings 2:26)

God mercifully allowed Abiathar to avoid certain death twice during
his lifetime. The first time, he escaped with nothing but the ephod on his
back-- a special robe identifying him as a priest. A vengeful King Saul
had all the other priests and their families in the city of Nob killed
for helping David, but David welcomed Abiathar into his protection.

David trusted Abiathar for many years. But instead of a lifetime of
gratefulness to God and loyalty to David, Abiathar eventually conspired
against David and Solomon, God's choice for the next king. But he was
again shown tremendous mercy and lost only his priestly position as
punishment for his disloyalty.

There are many times in our lives when we are given second chances
and experience great mercy. Perhaps you have been given another chance in
a damaged relationship or an important opportunity you thought you'd
blown. Some people would call it good luck. We know it to be a gift from
the merciful hand of God. Like Abiathar, we may be tempted to neglect
our gratefulness to God and to others for their graciousness. Make it a
point this week to remember the many "second chances" you have recently
received, and express your thanks.

Thank God for the many ways you experience His mercy.

From: jgat@mozcom.com