"But there were some men who were unclean due to a dead body, so they could not observe the Passover on that day. And they came before Moses and Aaron that same day and said to Moses, 'We are unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be excluded from presenting the LORD’s offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?' 'Wait here until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you,' Moses replied. Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Tell the Israelites: ‘When any one of you or your descendants is unclean because of a dead body, or is away on a journey, he may still observe the Passover to the LORD. Such people are to observe it at twilight on the fourteenth day of the second month...'" ~ Numbers 9:6-11a (NIV)
I know last week was a "Part 1" and I promise we'll get to the other parts, but the month of May is chock full of beautiful wonderful powerful moments marked in the calendar. So, we're taking a break from gardening insights for the moment and will come back to them soon.
This past Friday marked Pesach Sheini... basically, Second Passover.
My first thought when I heard that phrase was along the lines of, "Is that like Tolkien's second breakfast, what is this?"
It turns out, this is something remarkably beautiful!
As believers in the Messiah, we know we serve a God of second chances... and third, and fourth, and seven times seventy and beyond.
But, long before the Savior graced the earth in mortal form, our loving Father showed us His character, His grace for our humanness, and His willingness to give us second chances.
We see in Numbers, the second year after Israel had come out of Egypt, the Israelites observed Passover in the Wilderness of Sinai.
But, there were those who had been unclean and therefore unable to come before God and present their offering.
They didn't want to be left out! Who would?
So, they asked Moses and Aaron... and God granted them a second chance.
This past Friday was a celebration and re-acknowledgment of Passover. Second Passover.
But, to me it was also a celebration of the heart of the Creator and His generosity in second chances.
Who doesn't need a second chance, especially now?
What a wonderful amazing Heavenly Father we serve.
Thank You, El Shaddai, that You are a God of second chances. Thank You for showing us Your generosity of spirit long ago. And, thank You for sending Your Son, to give us not only second chances, not only seven times seventy chances, but infinite chances, to come before You and choose You. Thank You, that You are always there waiting for us with arms open wide. Thank You, for showing us the way to forever know that loving embrace, to ever walk in Your Will and Your Way.
Amen.
"So Moses said to the people, 'This is a day to remember forever—the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery. Today the LORD has brought you out by the power of his mighty hand...'" ~ Exodus 13:3 (NLT)
"And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him." ~ Luke 17:4 (NKJV)
"Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." ~ Romans 12:1-2 (BSB)
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... ♥
Sharables! ...and, hey, thanks for sharing. ♥
