Daily Devotionals- January Edition by Pastor Ike J. Monye
January 27, 2018.

HE IS THE GOD OF A SECOND CHANCE.
(THE BOOK OF JONAH)

Scripture Reading: Jonah 2:1-10 Additional Bible Reading: Jonah: 1-17. Romans 11:28-29, Proverbs 27.

JESUS CHRIST IS THE GOD OF A SECOND CHANCE.

Indeed, just the fact that Jesus came to earth gave all of us second chances. If He didn't come, all of us would have been doomed to eternal damnation.  The song writer wrote: Where would I be if Jesus didn't love me? What would I say, if He didn't care? But I am glad that He did" The people of Nineveh all got a second chance because of the love of God. Even though the Assyrians were recorded by history to be very wicked and cruel, God still loved them enough to send His prime prophet to give them the chance of repentance and salvation. Jonah like many of us today who do not believe that some people deserve God's mercy and forgiveness, felt that the Assyrians should all go to hell. Beloved, the love of God transcends our human feelings, emotions and understanding. God felt that they deserved a second chance. He described Nineveh as a great city. He looked beyond their wickedness and sins to the great potentials that they were carrying. The same thing God does for us every day. He does not and will never condone our sins but He keeps giving us second and third and fourth chances to get it right with Him. He also gave Jonah a second chance to get it right with the assignment God gave Him. Men may not give us second chances but our God is so kind, gracious and merciful that when people do not feel we deserve a second chance or a comeback, He still gives us new opportunities. In the book of Joel He promised to restore the years that rebellious Israel had lost due to their sin and rebellion. God's callings and purposes for your life are irrevocable. He does not change. We are the ones who walk away and do not return. From the powerful story of the prodigal son we can see that the father is outside waiting for the son to come back. He gave him a second chance. One of the reasons I love New Year seasons is because it gives us another opportunity to begin again, an opportunity for a re-birth and renewal. It gives an opportunity for a second chance. Beloved, I believe one of the greatest blessings we have with Jesus is that He gives us the opportunity for a second chance any day and at any time. Today, you pick up that lost relationship with the Father or with a loved one or with that call of God or that assignment. The God of Jonah is Jesus Christ.  He is waiting....

Today's Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for being the God of second chance. Because of your love and mercy, I can begin again. Restore to me once again the joy of your salvation. Thank you for picking me up again when I fall. Thank you for always thinking of me. Thank you Lord Jesus.