“Think of a kindergartner taking a calculus test. Because he’s only 5, the little tyke bombs the test and receives an ‘F’ atop his page. The teacher might show mercy, tear up his exam, and forgive his failure. But the lad will not rejoice when a fresh, identical test is placed in front of him for a second attempt. While some Mensa-in-waiting kindergartner might pass calculus, there’s zero chance a fallen human can pass the test of God’s law. As Scripture declares, ‘None is righteous, no, not one’ (Rom. 3:10). And since there’s zero chance humans will obey God perfectly, why would Christians spread news of a God of second chances? Is it good news to get a second chance at the impossible?” (Aaron Wilson, “He Is Not ‘The God of Second Chances,’” The Gospel Coalition, July 7, 2016)
OT history is full of examples of Israel failing their exam given by God and the loving Father patiently and graciously giving them another chance after another chance. When you and I study the history of God in the OT, it should give us hope and encouragement that God is not a God of “second chances,” but a God of seventy-times seven chances. Consider this outline of Psalm 106…
GOD’S FAVOR – 106:1-3:
When you meditate on the nature of God, you cannot help but speak about Him! “Who speak of the mighty deeds of Jehovah?” He will proclaim all His praise. Who can? Actually, no one can fully tell of all of God’s wonderful works! He leaves you breathless.
REMEMBER ME O LORD – 106:4-5:
When we see, experience, and feel the goodness of God, you must rejoice in it with God’s other people. Faithfulness, neither in the OT, nor in the NT, is an individual matter. It is to be done with God’s people. Then he can “glory” with God’s inheritance, His people.
WE HAVE SINNED LIKE ISRAEL IN EGYPT – 106:6-12:
WE HAVE SINNED LIKE ISRAEL IN THE WILDERNESS – 106:13-18:
WE HAVE SINNED LIKE ISRAEL WITH THE GOLDEN CALF – 106:19-27:
WE HAVE SINNED LIKE ISRAEL AT BAAEL-PEOR – 106:28-31:
WE HAVE SINNED LIKE MOSES AT MERIBAH – 106:32-33:
WE HAVE SINNED LIKE ISRAEL IN THE TIME OF THE JUDGES – 106:34-39:
WE HAVE SINNED LIKE ISRAEL IN THE CAPTIVITY – 106:40-43:
WE HAVE SINNED AND WE NEED LOVINGKINDNESS – 106:44-46:
WE HAVE SINNED AND WE NEED TO BE GATHERED – 106:47-48:
WE HAVE SINNED:
You and I are blessed to live on this side of the cross. We have the forgiveness of our sins and we still have a God who is characterized by lovingkindness.
“If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. “And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4. Imagine Jesus saying this to His heavenly Father: “If your child sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
Don’t be weighed down by guilt. God longs to forgive you. Repent and experience His endless grace and forgiveness.
Paul Holland
