The Importance of “Again”
One of the words that is often used in our vocabulary, but probably not carefully contemplated, is the word “again.” Kids use it: “Do I have to make my bed again?” Parents use it: “Don’t make me tell you again.” Citizens use it: “Are gas prices really going up again?” Everyone uses it: “I can’t believe this is happening again” and so it goes.
But have you ever considered how significant this word is when God uses it? It is very enlightening.
God’s faithful promise: “I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done” (Gen. 8:21; see also Gen. 9:15; Joel 2:19; Micah 4:3; Zeph. 3:11).
Our recurrent sin: “Again and again they tempted God, and pained the Holy One of Israel.” (Psalm 78:41; see also Judges 10:6; Neh. 9:28)
God’s merciful persistence: “The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place” (2 Chron. 36:15; see also Jer. 25:3–5; 29:19; 32:33; 35:15; 44:4).
God’s amazing transformation: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3; see also 2 Cor. 5:15; 1 Pet. 1: 23; John 3:3).
Jesus Christ’s resurrection: “For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Rom. 14:9; see also Mark 10:34; Luke 18:33; 24:7, 46; John 10:18; Acts 17:3).
Our future bodily resurrection: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus” (1 Thess. 4:14; see also Mark 12:26).
Jesus Christ’s return: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).
We don’t like our sinful “agains,” but you and I can be eternally thankful for His again and agains” (merciful pursuits), His gift to us causing us to be “born again” and to know He is coming again to take us home!
Pastor Jeff