Sunday, December 10, 2023

Jonah 3

One of the best known second chances in literature is given to a man named Ebenezer Scrooge, in a story called “The Christmas Carol.” (My favorite version is “The Muppet Christmas Carol.”)

We find early on that Scrooge’s greed has earned him the same punishment as his former business partners, a punishment he clearly deserves. However, after having been confronted with the consequences of the life that he has lived, he is offered a second chance that he gladly agrees to:

“Spirit, hear me. I am not the man I was. I will not be that man that I have been for so many years. Why show me all of this if I am past all hope? Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me… Oh, tell me that I am not too late!”

In Jonah chapter 3 we see Jonah given a second opportunity to be who God has called him to be. More than just the grace he received in the form of the great fish that swallowed him up, he is recommissioned by God to preach the truth to the people of Nineveh. And more than just one man, we’ll see an entire city respond to God’s offer of a second chance.

The third chapter of Jonah demonstrates the love of God to the whole world, even when they’ve made mistakes before. See you Sunday!

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