Mulligan

Click Here for Today's Reading: Gen 10–12 | Prov 2:1–8 | Luke 4

“From Noah’s three sons, He dispersed them abroad on the earth.” — Genesis 10

“…Shem… became the ancestor of Abram.” — Genesis 11:10

“Go… and I will bless you… and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” — Genesis 12:1–3

Last week I went and played golf with a friend. When we got to hole three, I sliced the ball so badly it flew into another fairway. I was way off. So I did what golfers often do in that moment—I took a mulligan.

A mulligan is an informal “do-over,” a second chance to swing without penalty. It’s grace on the golf course: “Let’s pretend that one didn’t count—try again.”

In Genesis 10–12, we see God giving humanity something far better than a mulligan—a divinely orchestrated new beginning.

After the flood, from Noah’s three sons, God made a new beginning in human history. And from those family lines, God set apart Shem to be His special channel of blessing. Through Shem’s line came Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, the one through whom God would form His covenant people and eventually bring forth Jesus Christ.

Even when the world went off course, God’s redemptive plan stayed on target.

Reflection:

God specializes in fresh starts. Just as He began again through Shem and called Abraham into His unfolding plan, He offers you a new beginning through Jesus Christ. No matter how far off course you feel, God’s grace invites you to start anew and walk in His purpose.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being the God of new beginnings. When I drift off course, draw me back to Your path. Help me trust Your plan, follow Your voice, and walk in the fresh start You provide through Jesus. Amen.

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