Monday, May 29, 2017

Third Time's The Charm

Hey Friend,

Being the word nerd that I am, I like to know the etymology of words and sayings.  I've heard the saying, "Third time's the charm" since I was very little. Yes, it often takes three (or more) tries to get something right, but where did this little phrase come from?

Some word theologians believe that "Third time's the charm," or "Third time lucky" originated in this quote of Shakespeare's from "The Merry Wives of Windsor".

"Pr'ythee, no more prattling:- go.  I'll hold: this is the third time; I hope good luck lies in odd numbers.  Away, go; they say there is divinity in odd numbers, either in nativity, chance, or death. - Away."
(Shakespeare)

I could go on and on about the different thoughts about three times being lucky in a myriad of historic events.  Personally, I go with the thought that this phrase has something to do with the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).  When you start to look at the number of times the number "three" shows up in scripture you easily lose track.

My first thoughts were of Jesus - And on the third day He arose from the dead.

Next, I thought of Peter and Jesus prophesying that he would deny Christ three times.  Right on cue, Peter does, in fact, deny Christ three times before the rooster crows.  

Here are some stories of "three's" that I was not as equally familiar with.  In John 21, Jesus makes His third appearance to the disciples after He has risen from the dead.

The disciples are tired after a full night of fishing and having caught nothing.  I can just see them, despondent and weary, hauling in their nets and equipment and knowing they won't eat that day, when Jesus happens upon the scene.  

"Men,"  Jesus called to them, "you don't have any fish, do you?"  "No," they answered.  (John 21:5)

Jesus proceeds to tell the exhausted men to put out once again and cast their nets on the right side of the boat - assuring them that they'll get some fish. Reluctantly they obey - all the while wondering who is this guy?  Their nets are full and tearing as they haul the huge catch on board the small boat.  

Once on the shore, Jesus takes the bread and the fish and gives it to the disciples and finally, the light bulb goes on in John's brain.  

Third time's the charm....on the third appearance, the disciples finally know that this is the Lord that they love.

Jesus, as only Jesus can do, sets about restoring what has been broken so He turns to Peter who had denied Him three times before He was crucified and He asks:

"Simon Peter, son of John, do you love Me more than these?"

"Yes, Lord," he said to Him, "You know that I love You."

"Feed My lambs," Jesus told him.

This back and forth questioning goes on two more times.  Jesus asks twice more if Peter loves Him.  

Jesus' restoration of Peter takes three times of Him asking Peter about His love for Him and three times Jesus commands Peter to go then and shepherd His sheep.  

I love how things can be torn down in groups of three:  The three denials by Peter, three days dead from crucifixion, three strikes and you're out.

BUT, GOD.  

But, God uses threes to restore and redeem:  Three days then resurrected from the dead, three appearances to the disciples and they call Him "Lord", threefold questioning of Peter about His love.

I love Peter....he's a bit of a screw up, but Jesus tells this doubter and betrayer that not only is he forgiven, but that He (Jesus) is going to build His church on Peter's shoulders.  He even calls Peter the "rock" on which His church will be built.

Wow!  Talk about being given another chance.  

I'd definitely say that "Third time's the charm for Peter".  

Third time's the charm for us.  Jesus went to His death, descended into hell, and on the THIRD day, He arose from the grave so that we would never have to worry that we could strike out on His grace and mercy.

God commands us to forgive 70 X 7 and He will forgive us an infinite number of times if we repent of our sins.  We're not limited to three because this member of the Trinity has paid the price for our sins for us.  His grace and mercy will never run out.  We can't out run his love and we can't disappoint Him or alienate His love for us.  It's simply not possible.  

So thankful for this third person of the Trinity who makes eternal life possible and the abundant life attainable.

What about you?  Do you feel like you've struck out with God?  Do you ever feel like Peter - having denied Christ and perhaps He's given up on you?  How have you seen Jesus' redeeming power in your own life?

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise you because you are not a "three strikes and you're out" kind of Father.  Your mercy and love for us is endless. So much so that you gave your only Son to literally go through hell for three days so that I could be restored unto You forever.  I ask you for forgiveness of my sins and claim your promise that if I confess my sins you will remove them from me and purify me with Christ's righteousness.  Help me not to heap guilt upon myself because You surely don't.  The price has been paid.  The days of striking out are finished.  In Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.

Be blessed...


24 comments:

  1. What a fabulous message to read today Bev. Because even after 3 strikes, we are not truly out. But it is hard not to get frustrated after the first couple of times. That's why we are so blessed.
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Jodie,
      So thankful that God's mercy doesn't stop after 3 strikes!! I sure get frustrated too, but that's usually my signal that I'm relying on me instead of relying on Him.
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  2. Hi Bev ~

    I resonate with your Trinity emphasis. Yes!

    And I hope today finds you healing and stronger, friend ...

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    1. Linda,
      Thanks for stopping by and glad yo found something that struck a chord. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes....they are felt!
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  3. Three signifies victory! Jesus rose up and handed us the victory card.
    I like this post. How are the kids in Redeemers College doing? Sorry I have not been following up lately. May the prosper the work of your hands and send all the help and provisions you need in Jesus name. Amen

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    1. Ifeoma,
      Don't you just love the power in "three's"? I love how you say that Jesus rose up and handed us the victory card!! The children at Redeemer Christian School are doing well. They are going for their first ever field trip to the zoo. Most of the children have never seen pictures of animals in books, let alone go to a zoo to see them up close and personal. They are ecstatic!! So many of the creature comforts and life experiences we take for granted. Thanks for asking and praying!!
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  4. Bev! I love the way you've added life and light to a statement that I've never given much thought to. Now I'm going to be noticing all the threes as I read . . .

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    1. Michele,
      It IS amazing how many times "three" is mentioned or used in parables in the Bible. Even my good buddy Shakespeare picked up on the use of threes lol. Happy reading...
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  5. Bev, what a beautiful, hopeful post! God does work through threes, doesn't He? But I'm so, so, so thankful He gives us more than three chances. :) His lovingkindness is new every morning, throughout the day and into every night. He is so gracious toward us. Love this!

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    1. Jeanne,
      Yes, definitely hopeful!! Joining with you in being SO thankful that God gives us way more than three chances. He is truly lovingkindness!
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  6. Oh, yes! Thank you, Bev, for these important reminders. Praise God for His grace and mercy. He gives and forgives with unlimited generosity! Lord, keep me mindful of Your loving kindness, that in gratitude I might always strive to live for the praise of Your glory.

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    1. Nancy,
      What a great prayer - "Lord, keep me mindful of Your lovingkindness..." Spending time in His Word reminds us of that all the time.
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  7. I knew that 3 and 7 were numbers that the Lord loves and works through but I had no idea how many "3's" there are in Scripture, Bev. I love this post and the insights you've drawn for us here. Very inspiring and interesting, my friend!

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    1. Beth,
      I do believe that with God their are no coincidences and everything He does is with a reason. Therefore, I do think there is a sacredness in "three's" and I know that seven is the number of completion. I just found these passages interesting as God brought me to them.
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  8. Bev, I am not into numerology but I also believe God is very into numbers and they mean something. Interesting topic for sure!

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    1. Susan,
      I definitely believe that message is more important than the numbers, but I do believe that God uses them over and over again in His Word to make points and help with illustrations.
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  9. Interesting insight, Bev. Never thought of that phrase in light of the trinity. Lovely post, friend. Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a wonderful summer, and that your foot heals nicely. She Speaks here we come!! :)

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    1. Brenda,
      I had never thought of that phrase in terms of the Trinity either. I guess we'll never know for sure until the other side of heaven, but drawing hope from the illustrations God gives us from powerful "three's" in His Word. Yes, look our She Speaks!!
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  10. Such an encouraging and inspiring insight, Bev! Have a blessed week!

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    1. June,
      Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts....welcome and blessings to you too!
      Bev
      xx

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  11. Intriguing post, Bev! It makes you wonder if the number three is God's favorite number? ;) I'm grateful He gives us more than three chances!

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    1. Kelly,
      That's a good question...I do have a hunch that God is quite fond of the number three :)
      Like you, so grateful He gives us an infinite number of strikes in life!! What a wonderful God we have!
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  12. Bev, I like odd numbers better than even, and your post may hint at why I subconsciously prefer them. Your neighbor at #dancewithjesus.

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    1. Sarah,
      I'd say that subconsciously you are on God's track :) So glad you stopped by from the link-up!
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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