GOD OF A SECOND CHANCE
Jonah 3: 1 – 3
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.” So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord….
Our God is a loving God and because of His love, you get a second chance.
In chapter 1 we read where God spoke to Jonah to go to the great city of Nineveh and cry out against it. But Jonah was rebellious and disobeyed God, running from His presence (Ps. 139: 7 – 12). God responded to Jonah’s rebellion by sending a wind that threatened to destroy the ship he had boarded. Jonah was thrown overboard by the crew in order to spare their lives and prevent total destruction of the ship. However, God’s love pursued Jonah, even to providing a great fish to swallow him up. (1: 17). In his distress he prayed to the Lord, vowing to offer a sacrifice to Him in thanksgiving for His deliverance. God responded to Jonah’s cry for help and commanded the fish to vomit Jonah on dry land.
Again (2nd chance) God told Jonah to go to Nineveh and proclaim His message. This time Jonah obeyed (3:1-2)
God is love and even in the midst of judgement, He still extends mercy to His children. How many chances has God given you to do what He has called you to do? One, two, three? More? Like the city of Nineveh, someone is waiting on your obedience. It may be a word from the Lord, which as we see in chapter 3: 5-10, resulted in a change in the hearts of the people of that city. It may be a ministry you have been called to start, or it may be to tell others about the love of God. Whatever it is, do not delay. “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7 NKJV.