1. Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2. "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." 3. Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city-- a visit required three days. 4. On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned."     

The word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time. Saying “arise and go…”  - the same command we read in the first chapter. 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 understand that I failed you? How can you possibly use me? You better pick someone who is more worthy?” If that isn’t your prayer, how about that in someone else’s life who failed? Are you willing to give them a second chance?

Many football fans know the classic story of Roy Riegels, 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 ran to the wrong goal. It was just before he crossed the goal line that one of his own teammates, Benny Lom, downed him after 65 yards. Roy was humiliated, crushed, and made fun of. He cried.

Coach Nibbs Price came into the locker room at half time. The things were silent. When the signal came it was time to go back out, Price simply said, “the same team that played in the first half will start in the second.” 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, the 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 which any of the players on the team will tell you is that they never had seen anyone play as hard the second half as Roy Riegels. How wise that coach was to give him a second chance. It would have been a greater story if they had won the game, but they didn’t.

Everyone here has 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’s love gives us other chances. Jonah preached with a different heart than before. Remember Peter who denied his Lord? Pridefully, he promised that if all the others left and ran away, he would remain faithful and die with Christ if needs be. Yet he was the first to say, “I don’t know him” when asked if he was a disciple at Jesus arrest.

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 told Paul they would go on a different trip. Paul took Silas; Barnabas took Mark, and they went their separate ways. We don’t hear any more about Barnabas. They apparently didn’t have anyone else like Luke on their team who would write up their missionary journey, but Mark played the second half with obedience and devotion for Paul writes later in life, “send Mark to me, for he has been such an encouragement.”

Peter played the second half, not perfectly mind you, but with much more humility and gratefulness for a kind Lord who called him back out on the playing field of service.

Jonah was given a second chance. So are you. Maybe a third, fourth, and fifth. That is the good thing about God is that as we are willing to repent and follow Him. He picks us up and we continue our journey.

The Lord’s Prayer includes this important part - “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” As you have received forgiveness, so give it to another. Pass it on. 

Dale

Prayer:  Lord, You are the God of second chances.  My heart is filled with gratitude that You never give up on me.   Strengthen me!