We all make mistakes big and small. But have you ever blown it…really screwed up, wishing that you could have a redo? A restart. Do you wish you could always have a time-out, a chance to stop the whole situation, redo what you did and have it never have it happen?
Growing up, I watched a TV show called Saved-by-the Bell. Great show. In almost every episode, Zach, the main character, had the ability to call a time-out. The whole scene would freeze and he would fix whatever he was doing wrong. He would change the outcome in some way. He got a redo.
What would that be like? Having the power to reverse the mistake.
Well, life is full of mistakes, and mishaps with no rewind.
I suffer from “Foot-In-Mouth” disease. On most days, I have a BIG. FAT. MOUTH. I usually get the cart before the horse, saying and doing things I wish I could take back. If only I could get a time-out. A redo!
Like the time when I thought a gal was pregnant at church. In my excitement I ran up to her because she looked noticeably fatter (again, things you do not say or write) and I said:
“Oh my, when are you due? You guys must be so excited. I am excited.”
Potential Pregnant Lady: “I am not pregnant.”
ME: “Oh......."
Most of the time, I get it wrong with my mouth.
Can you relate? Ever have a major blunder? Ever screw up big-time?
Throughout the Bible, we meet so many people full of mistakes, mishaps, and misfortunes. I find this to be very comforting.
Moses struck the rock and totally missed out on God's plan.
Jacob lied and deceived his father.
Samson was a disaster.
Most of Israel's kings really messed up.
Peter had a big mouth (I like that guy).
In John 8, we meet a woman who made some mistakes. Specifically, adultery with men. You may know the story...
-Angry religious people bring this woman to Jesus who has been caught in the act of adultery.
-They want to trick Jesus to catch him in a lie because he's challenging their thinking and beliefs.
-The Law, they argue, should have her stoned to death.
“What do you say Jesus?”
Jesus: "You who are without sin cast the first stone..."
Did Jesus just mic drop the crowd?
The angry mob drops the stones. They walk away and leave her with Jesus.
Now, here comes the best part:
"At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Have you ever made a mistake? Blown it? Wishing you never did what you did. Ever wish you get a redo? A time-out that stops everything from happening.
I think this woman got a redo.
She got a fresh start.
She met Jesus.
You see, I used to think I had to have it all figured out before I came to Jesus. I now realize that Jesus is the one who made the first move to rescue me.
And that is the point. Despite the mistakes, mishaps, and misfortunes. Despite my big fat mouth, God loves me and sent his son Jesus to die for me.
My mistakes do not disqualify me.
My mishaps do not separate me from the love of Christ.
Jesus’ mercies are new every morning.
His love is never ending.
He never changes.
And, that changes everything.
Comments