Jonah - Chapter 3

“The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time” Jonah 3:1

Jonah got a second chance to answer God’s call. In chapter 2, we discovered he had to endure a dangerous storm, a near-drowning experience, and three days and nights in the belly of the big fish before he got the opportunity for a re-do. But when the Lord spoke to Jonah the second time, Jonah obeyed. He went to Nineveh to deliver the bad news, “40 more days and Nineveh will be overturned!” And after making it only 1/3 of the way into the city, Jonah was having an affect. “The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth” (Jonah 3:5). Even the king was distraught and issued a decree: “Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish” (Jonah 3:7-9). And what did God do? He relented and did not destroy Nineveh.

So Jonah and Nineveh both got second chances. This chapter clearly shows us that God is the God of second chances. Aren’t you glad? I know I am because many times I have needed a second chance, and a third, 30th, 700th, etc. And I am sure you have too. God, thank you for second chances!