The second book in the New Testament bears his name. However, he’s not the actual source of the original content for the narrative and teaching of Jesus. Most biblical historians inform us that while Mark was the one who did put pen to parchment, he was more likely doing so under the dictation of the apostle Peter. The book of Mark is essentially the preaching of Peter put into narrative book form under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
It’s fun to think of these two men working together, as they both experienced failure and both got back up again and kept going. Peter, the wise sage, had been the one who denied Jesus (Luke 22:54-62), yet he repented and followed Christ for the rest of his life, even to the point of being martyred. Mark, who also was called John, was the younger man, who set out with the apostle Paul on a missionary journey but later bailed under the pressure of the work and returned to the comfort of home (Acts 13:13). Later, his heart changed, and another encouraging older mentor, Barnabas, picked him up, believed in him, and gave him a second chance, even when the apostle Paul would not (Acts 15:36-41).
Beautifully, toward the end of Paul’s life, he also had a change of heart. Not only did he extend grace to Mark, but Paul also fully acknowledged the young man’s contribution in spreading the message of Christ throughout the Roman Empire (2 Timothy 4:11). The entire experience illustrates that even Paul had blown it by being too harsh on Mark’s failings.
“Mark set out with the apostle Paul on a missionary journey but later bailed under the pressure of the work and returned to the comfort of home.”
Why is this history important? Because it is a clear and continuing example of God’s desire to give grace and second chances to those who love him. We see this principle throughout Scripture and history. Why is this not only important, but also so powerful? Because it means that God will give you and me second chances, too.
I can record the volumes of my mistakes and even blatant sins in my life. I wonder if you’re honest, you could do the same. The question then is about how we move forward from there. As the historical narratives in Scripture capture dramatic images of human rebellion, they also shine the light of God’s grace and guidance for those who turn and follow him.
Consider the biblical men who have gone before us. Consider Abraham, Moses, David, and all the apostles. None of these men were perfect. However, each of them owned their sin and returned to the gracious arms of God, moving forward. Consider men throughout history who have walked before us on the common sod of the earth. None were perfect, and even the Bible tells us that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NIV) But faith is taking God at his gracious word, repenting of our sin, and getting up again, even if it’s only one day at a time. Faith is walking forward and trusting that God is still moving and still longs to take us along with him in the journey.
“Faith is walking forward and trusting that God is still moving and still longs to take us along with him in the journey.”
Yes, I’ve blown it in my life. As a younger man, some of those occasions were utterly explosive. There are probably still scars on my innermost soul, and quite possibly some residue of pain will remain until I step into the other side of eternity. I can attest that the evil one has pointed out my failures before. I can also acknowledge that Jesus dealt with my sin on the cross, rose from the dead, and reserves a future for me and for those who love him (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Because of this, I not only have peace, but purpose.
In addition, I’ve also found that those who have been through valleys, even ones of their own making, often come out the other end wiser than before. Honestly, I tend to listen more attentively to older men with bruises than to those who seem to have lived lives of perpetual success. Perhaps it’s because their inner battles resemble my life experience more closely. Maybe it’s because men who have blown it seem to understand God’s grace at a deeper level, and if anything, I want to know God at a much more personal level as well.
If nothing else, this is what I do know. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you have been, or what you have done; there is still God’s grace and purpose for those who will love him. I don’t know your history, but I am certain that God knows everything about each of us. I genuinely believe what one of my mentors, who passed away earlier this year, always used to say: “Your best days are yet to be!”
The making of second chances: “It doesn’t matter who you are, where you have been, or what you have done; there is still God’s grace and purpose for those who will love him.”
So, let’s get up and keep going and see what God has in store for tomorrow and the next day and the next.
For more from Steve, see Kingdomology.com.
