A Second Chances
Jonah 3: 1-4
“Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city-- a visit required three days. On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned."
Jonah made a mistake at first. Some might pray if they were Jonah, “Lord, why would you want to use me anymore? Don’t you know I failed you? How can you possible use me? I sinned. You better pick someone who is more worthy.”
If that isn’t your prayer, how about someone else’s life who failed you, sinned against you? Are you willing to give them a second chance?
Many football fans know the classic story of Roy Riegel who played football in the Rose Bowl game in 1929 when Georgia Tech played the University of California. Every so often the video clip is re-shown how he picked up a fumble and excitedly ran for the goal. The only problem was he was running to the wrong goal. It was just before he crossed the goal line that one of his own teammates downed him after 65 yards. Roy was humiliated, crushed, and made fun of. He cried.
Nibbs Price was the coach. During half time Riegel remained silent in the locker room. When the signal came to go back out, Price simply said, “the same team that played in the first half will start in the second.” And all ran out except Roy Riegels. The coach went up to him and repeated himself. “I said the same team” Roy was crying and exclaimed, “I can’t go out there. I’ve ruined you, University of California and myself. I cannot face the crowd again.” The coach reportedly put his hand on the shoulder of his player and said, “The game is only half over. I want you to go out and show them that.”
The rest of the story is that they never had seen anyone play as hard the second half as Roy Riegels. How wise that coach was for giving him a second chance.
Everyone reading this been given a second chance from God. That is the kind of God we have. I hope you don t miss this message because it is the greatest chapter in Jonah. God loves and forgives. Jonah preached with a different heart than before.
Peter denied his Lord. Pridefully, he promised even if all the others left and ran away, he would remain faithful to his death. Yet he was the first to say that night, “I don’t know him.” When asked if he was a disciple.
If you are like me, you have gone back on some promises you have made to the Lord. If you are like me, you probably felt like quitting and giving up. Maybe you are one who judges someone else harshly for their failure like Paul did for young Mark and didn’t want to chance it again to have him join them on the missionary team. I’m so glad for the spirit of Barnabas who put his arm around John Mark and took him on another mission. Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways. Mark played the second half with obedience and devotion for Paul writes later, “send Mark to me, for he has been such an encouragement.” (2 Tim 4:11)
Application. Jonah was given a second chance. So will you. As you have received forgiveness so give it to another.
Prayer- Lord, Forgive me for my sin against you and thank you for restoring me in your love. Reveal to me to need to do that to another. Amen
