The God of Second Chances

Daily Devotional – Thursday, March 21, 2024
Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.”
Jonah 3:1-2 (NKJV)

In Jonah’s first appearance to humanity, God sends the prophet to Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian people, warning that its citizens face impending devastation if they do not turn from their sin.

Another Try

Jonah, on the other hand, makes his escape by boarding a ship that is headed for Tarshish. Due to his disobedience, there is a storm. The ship crew eventually throw Jonah overboard. A big fish swallows the prophet.

Jonah has a moment of introspection and penitence inside the fish’s stomach. In his anguish, he calls out to God, confessing his sin and pledging once more to follow.

Jonah Gets Another Opportunity

God extends a second chance to His prophet out of kindness, telling him to ” Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.” (Jonah 3:2). This time, the Assyrians repent, Jonah obeys, and he preaches in Nineveh.

Like Jonah, we could occasionally reject God’s call in our lives due to fear, inadequacy, or stubbornness. But all that results is chaos, a drift away from God, and obstruction of God’s work.

The God of Second Chances

Jonah’s story also shows us that God offers us additional opportunities when we confess and recognize our wrongdoing. His grace is unending, even for the most disobedient and immoral of His children.

Give thanks to God today for the numerous “second” chances He has given you in spite of your shortcomings. Act like Jonah if you think you have strayed. Seek pardon and an opportunity to run God’s errands again.

Prayer
Thank You, God, for Your uncountable ‘second’ chances.