A GOD OF SECOND CHANCES

Jonah 3:1–5 KJV 1900

And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

I. God’s Renewed Call for Jonah.

We see that Chapter three v. 1 mirrors chapter 1:1

God calls Jonah once again , but with no mention of his sin.

A. The consistency of God’s call.

God called Jonah a second time. Even after Jonah’s sin, God’s plan had not changed. Do not think that you can escape the call of God.

Has God called you to serve? Have you been trying to wait out God? Has it been years since He told you to go and serve? My advice is to turn and follow God.

B. The compassionate command.

One thing we see is that God does not bring up Jonah’s past. He does not condemn him for his sin. Rather God simply says, “Arise, go.”

I’m grateful that God is a God of compassion and gentleness.

If it had been you or I, we would have given Jonah a hard time and reminded him of his transgressions. Yet, God displayed compassion.

It would do many of us good to learn from God’s example and display humility and compassion with those who have wronged us.

II. Jonah’s unique position.

A. A second call.

God had called Jonah to lead. However, the narrative tells us that Jonah had to learn to follow before he could lead.

At God’s first call Jonah was only concerned with finding his following his own will but he would not concede to another. Until Jonah was able to follow, he was never able to lead.

One of the marks of a strong leader is that he is able to follow others.

If you are unable to allow others to lead or to concede your will, you will limit your usefulness in kingdom work.

Do you always have to get your way?

Are you the type to micromanage others or to undo what they have done if its not your idea? If so, like Jonah you need to learn what it means to follow.

B. A second chance.

Not only did God call Jonah, but this call represented that God had not forsaken Jonah but rather still had a purpose for his life.

God is a God of second, third, fourth, and fifth chances. He is always willing to restore those who will turn to Him.

III. Jonah’s changed heart and changed direction.

A. Jonah arose.

Throughout the story we have seen Jonah descend. Now, his trajectory has shifted and he is finally headed up.

When we come to terms with God it will always change our path.

Im headed up, not because of anything I’ve done but because of my encounter with Jesus.

B. Jonah Went.

One sure sign that we have been with Christ is that we will be goers.

On the flip side, a sign that we have neglected time with God is that we are content to be slothful, lazy, and content to sit by and play the role of a spectator to the things of God.

Are you a spectator or a participator.

IV. Nineveh’s turn to God.

SECOND CHANCE

On New Year's Day, 1929, Georgia Tech played University of California in the Rose Bowl. In that game a man named Roy Riegels recovered a fumble for California. Somehow, he became confused and started running 65 yards in the wrong direction. One of his teammates, Benny Lom, outdistanced him and downed him just before he scored for the opposing team. When California attempted to punt, Tech blocked the kick and scored a safety which was the ultimate margin of victory.

That strange play came in the first half, and everyone who was watching the game was asking the same question: "What will Coach Nibbs Price do with Roy Riegels in the second half?" The men filed off the field and went into the dressing room. They sat down on the benches and on the floor, all but Riegels. He put his blanket around his shoulders, sat down in a corner, put his face in his hands, and cried like a baby.

If you have played football, you know that a coach usually has a great deal to say to his team during half time. That day Coach Price was quiet. No doubt he was trying to decide what to do with Riegels. Then the timekeeper came in and announced that there were three minutes before playing time. Coach Price looked at the team and said simply, "Men the same team that played the first half will start the second." The players got up and started out, all but Riegels. He did not budge. The coach looked back and called to him again; still he didn't move. Coach Price went over to where Riegels sat and said, "Roy, didn't you hear me? The same team that played the first half will start the second." Then Roy Riegels looked up and his cheeks were wet with a strong man's tears. "Coach," he said, "I can't do it to save my life. I've ruined you, I've ruined the University of California, I've ruined myself. I couldn't face that crowd in the stadium to save my life." Then Coach Price reached out and put his hand on Riegel's shoulder and said to him: "Roy, get up and go on back; the game is only half over." And Roy Riegels went back, and those Tech men will tell you that they have never seen a man play football as Roy Riegels played that second half.

A. They believed God.

B. They fasted.

C. They repented.