Memorial Stones: Second chances

The first memorial stones in the book of Joshua were reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness while the second reminded them of their own unfaithfulness and the consequences that follow. The third reminded them of second chances.

After the defeat that Israel experienced at Ai because of sin in the camp, it was time to go against Ai again. This time Joshua sought the Lord's plan before attacking. Israel was successful and this time followed God's plans. Joshua set up a heap of stones over the body of the defeated king as a memorial. Israel had been given a second chance to defeat Ai. The first time sin had caused them to fail, but they succeeded during the second time because they had followed God's will for them.

If we look back at those memorial stones that remind us of our unfaithfulness, I'm guessing that nearby there is a memorial stone of second chances.

When we sin and repent, we will be given a second chance. Sometimes it's a second chance to avoid the temptation that ensnared us in the first place. Sometimes it's a second chance to repair damaged relationships. It could be a second chance to make amends in some way. Perhaps we'll have a second chance to do what we ought to have done in the first place. Whatever the opportunity we get, I'm so thankful that God doesn't just give up on us when we fail, but gives us the chance to make it right.

Some commentators believe that part of Israel's defeat at Ai was due to Joshua not seeking the Lord's will in the first place. The first attack, he sent spies, but there's no indication that he inquired of the Lord. The second attack, Joshua received a battle plan from the Lord and followed that in his attack. Joshua was given a second chance to get the correct battle plan. Sometimes that's how we get a second chance, too. We plunge into a situation thinking we have it under control only to fail. In my case, I generally find that I fail spectacularly. Then we regroup, we seek God's help, and we get a second chance to do it the way He wanted us to in the beginning. When we refuse to go where God is leading, He often gives us a second chance to go down the path He had intended for us to travel.

We will be unfaithful to God - whether because of sin or because we choose to do things our own way. But God gives second (and third and fourth) chances. When we look back on our failures, we can also see where He allowed us the opportunity to do it again and get it right.