Have you ever been given a second chance? All of us have probably been given another chance in something or by someone. We have felt relief and committed ourselves to do it better or to do it right, the next time.
In the Bible, there are many stories of second chances. In Acts 8 we can see the life of Simon the Magus who was given a second chance, and even a third chance.
Acts 8:13 states, “Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.”
Simon the Sorcerer was called the “Great Power of God.” He was boasting to the people who were amazed by his sorcery skills. But when Philip came into town, Simon the Sorcerer believed in Jesus and was subsequently baptized. His conversion story is going great up until the time he offered money to Peter and John to buy the power of the Holy Spirit.
This was his downfall. And this is the same as some of us. We only think about what we get when we follow Jesus. This kind of faith is superficial. We may go to church, but we may not be true followers of Jesus.
What happened to Simon the Sorcerer after he offered to bribe the apostles? Peter told him that his heart is not right before God. But Peter was also quick to offer him a path to repentance so that God may forgive him for his bitterness and wickedness.
Acts 8:22 says, “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”
After this, Simon said something that we may consider as repentance. He asked for prayers that nothing will happen to him.
We, too, can ask for forgiveness to any sin that captivates us. Like Simon, we, too, can be given by God a second chance.
May God bless us all!
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on