In Times Past

“But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:62.

George Bernard Shaw once said, “We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.”  We know the importance of letting go of past hurts, disappointments, and failures that are hindering your relationship with God today. It is not easy because many of us are convinced the sins in our past or present are so terrible that they can’t be forgiven and thus we are unworthy to serve God. The story of Rahab is a reminder of the fact that God can forgive our past and give us a new future?

God knew what was going on in Raban’s life and did something about it. God did not keep Rahab from losing the security of her home nor did He prevent her from having to go through the agony of watching the Israelites march around the city for 7 days. Remember, she didn’t know that plan. When she stepped out in faith, He met her there. She trusted Him to rescue her, and He did. God judged her by her heart, not by her lifestyle. He not only saved her life, but He forgave her past and gave her a new future. Rahab was taken in as an adopted daughter of the Israelites. Her old life as a prostitute had ended. God allowed her grace and a fresh start. She and her family lived among the Israelites. She chose to trust Him rather than submit to fear.

Rahab’s past was past and God had a new life planned for her. Today your past may be haunting you day and night. Maybe you have been hurt and have built up walls around yourself that have become so high you can’t see over them. Maybe people have stuck labels on you and no matter what you do you can’t shake them.

God loves you and has a plan for you. He waits patiently for you to turn to Him. Your past will be forgiven and will not hold you back from becoming what God wants you to be. God is in the business of transforming us into new creations. 

Likewise, God will forgive your past and give you a new future. That’s because, as was the case with Rahab, God loves us; He knows what is going on in our life; and He can do something about it.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is it hard for you to forget your past? Why or why not?
2. How have you been successful in dealing with your past?
3. Read Micah 7:19: What does this verse mean to you?
4. What difference does Jesus make when it comes to dealing with your past sins and regrets?