Jonah 3

Scripture Reading:  Read Jonah Chapter 3. 

A God of Second Chances:

Jonah 3:1-2 – “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.” (NIV)

Sometimes, we are slow to offer grace to others, but we sure appreciate it when others quickly offer us grace.  I’m sure you can think of a time when you did something wrong, yet someone extended a second chance to you.  Truthfully, we’ve probably all been given many second chances. 

The Lord gives the people of Nineveh a second chance, and He provides the prophet Jonah a second chance.  Jonah ran away from God’s call to go to Nineveh and proclaim judgment.  After taking a detour through a big fish, he obeys the Lord and does what God has directed him to do.  God continues to show grace to Jonah amid Jonah’s pouting in the next chapter.   

It’s worth pointing out that the last verse of chapter three is fascinating, but it can cause some confusion for us if misunderstood.  Jonah 3:10 – “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” (NIV)

You see, offering grace and giving second chances is the most consistent part of God’s good character. It is true that we serve an unchanging God; He is immutable, and His character does not change. But offering second chances and grace—well, that is an amazing truth about our God that we should take a moment today to thank Him dearly for. 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the second chances and the extraordinary grace you’ve given me.  Help me to turn from my sin and to walk in obedience.