October 2, 2008 - Acts 7:35a

“’This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, “Who made you ruler and judge?”’” Acts 7:35a.
God, upon hearing the cries of the enslaved Hebrews, called Moses to return to Egypt in order to lead his people out of slavery into freedom. Stephen retells this story to the Hebrew leadership who is fully aware of the significance of Moses in their history. Yet Stephen is making a point with his listeners. Here is a Hebrew who had been rejected as leader by his people and who God had now sent to lead them into freedom. It is ironic that this “rejected one” – Moses – was now to be the most important and central figure to this moment and movement in their history.
From Moses’ perspective, he had originally gotten out in front of God’s calling yet was now operating within God’s perfect plan for setting the Hebrew people free. From the Hebrews’ viewpoint, it must have taken a little while for them to “recognize” Moses as the leader that God had called him to be. Yet, in time, they did, and Moses now had his second opportunity to lead, this time doing so within God’s timing. God worked out this “second chance” in Moses’ life for all involved….except, of course, for Pharaoh.
Questions to consider: How do “second chances” work out in your life? When you have gotten out there in front of God’s will, how has God dealt with you? How has He given you second chances? How are you at extending second chances to others? Is there anyone that you need to consider extending one to today?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, that You are the God of Second Chances (and more!). Thank You that You wipe our slate clean – forgiving us and helping us to move forward in Your plan for us. Help us to extend similar grace to others around us when we need to. Amen.