The book of Jonah might be seen as the story of getting a second chance to deliver a second chance. The prophet didn’t want to warn his hated enemies of God’s impending judgment because he knew that He would spare them if they heeded the warning. He ran away from his assignment, and God sent a fish to give him a second chance. The Ninevites repented and got their second chance as well. God longs to give us a second chance. We should have the same attitude towards those we feel don’t deserve it.

Questions for further thought:
1. Have you ever thought, “I hope (fill in the blank) gets what’s coming to him (or her).”

2. At the same time, how often have you considered what you would have in store for you without God’s grace? 

Challenge: If you have a person or people in your life that you’ve struggled to forgive, try to see them as God sees them. Determine the steps you need to take to forgive and take them.

Let’s dig a little deeper into one of those flawed heroes, Moses. Considered one of the greatest figures of faith, he had to be talked into taking on the assignment of delivering the Israelites from Egypt. Once he did step up, his first assignment ended in disaster, resulting in his countrymen making bricks without straw. In God’s hands, however, Moses’ failure was another step toward a deepening relationship with God that eventually turned him into a true giant of faith.

Questions for further thought:
1. When you experience struggles or personal failures, how do you generally react?

2. Can you think of a difficult experience in your past that you now see differently than you did at the time?

Challenge: The next time you endure a failure or disappointment, ask God to show you what He wants you to gain from the experience. The answer may not be immediate, so this is where journaling comes in handy.

In truth, while some of us might be too proud to admit we need forgiveness, it is likely much more common for us to feel that we don’t deserve a second chance. We think we’ve done things that are too horrible to forgive, or we’ve been a stranger to God for too long. Great news here – many of the greatest spiritual giants in the Bible screwed up big time. Take Moses the killer, David the adulterer and, of course, Peter the denier. All were the recipients of God’s forgiveness. We can be too.

Questions for further thought:
1. Are there times when you know you’re off track with God but you don’t want to admit it? How do you work through that?

2. Have you felt undeserving of God’s grace? Have you been able to get past that to accept His gift and fully feel His love for you?  

Challenge: If you are feeling off track with God, identify where you went off the rails. God is in the business of forgiveness. Tell Him what you think you have done and ask Him to help you turn around and run back to Him. His arms will be wide open.

What is “it?” A second chance. By nature, we’re all in need of that second chance. That chance to start over and make things right with our Creator is available to everyone. There is one qualification, however. We have to admit that we need a do-over. Human pride can make that difficult, but each of us is in good company. We’ve all missed the mark. 

Questions for further thought:
1. If you’ve made a decision to follow Christ, what was the hardest thing about choosing that path?

2. If you haven’t made that decision or realize your need for a deeper commitment, what is holding you back? 

Challenge: God is always active in our lives and working to bring us into a deeper relationship with Himself. Because of that, we will have many opportunities in our journey to more fully commit ourselves to His leadership. Some of those may be second chances. When you sense you’ve reached one of those points, choose to commit. 

With humility, Zacchaeus received the gift of salvation for his home from Jesus. Every step of receiving Christ requires humility:  the prayer of conversion, being baptized, serving His community, taking communion, spiritual growth, and sharing the Gospel with others. They all take the step of humbling oneself before God.

Questions for further thought:
1. What step of humility have you taken in the past?

2. What is next step of humility you need to take?

Challenge: Take the step of humility that you identified at the next opportunity. Record how you have grown during that time. Come back to this later and see how you have changed.

The Pharisees were not happy Jesus chose the tax collector instead of them. Yet Zacchaeus did not look to be justified by his works. He was willing to use his wealth to show sincerity, faith and repentance. This was counterculture to the Pharisees.

Questions for further thought:
1. Do you get jealous when God uses someone else to prove a point?

2. What gifts can you use for the purpose of faith and repentance?

Challenge: Pray for guidance on how to best use your gifts for the purpose of faith and repentance like Zacchaeus offered.

After endless episodes of watching The Price of Right while stuck at home, the words “Come on Down!” are stuck in my head. However, Jesus called Zacchaeus to “come on down” from the tree. Zacchaeus was excited to come down and received a better prize than a new car, he won a personal lesson directly from Jesus.

Questions for further thought:
1. How is your joy and excitement in receiving God’s invitation during this time?

2. God is teaching us new things daily. What is God teaching you right now?

Challenge: Since we have more time at home during this pandemic, use this time to spend more time learning from Jesus. You can read the Bible more, pray more often, read/listen/watch Godly instruction though books, podcasts and videos.

Yesterday we talked about the barriers preventing us from reaching Jesus. Zacchaeus was called down the tree by Jesus. Jesus opened his heart to Zacchaeus because he knew he was seeking Him. The Holy Spirit is inviting Himself into our homes, even though we are living in a current pandemic.

Questions for further thought:
1. How is Jesus reaching you during this pandemic?

2. Why does Jesus open His heart to everyone who seeks Him?

Challenge: Pray for Jesus to help you seek Him in this time of social barriers.

Zacchaeus was a short man who could not see over the crowd. We all know short people (especially at Hillcrest), who cannot see over the crowd. He created a way to grab a glimpse at Jesus; he climbed a large tree. Zacchaeus was determined to meet Jesus, despite the barriers in his way.

Questions for further thought:
1. What barriers have kept you from seeking Jesus?

2. How have you overcome those barriers to see Jesus?

Challenge: Identify the barriers currently preventing you from reaching Jesus. Determine how you can work around those barriers this week.

This week we have been talking about death vs life. Sin causes destruction, decay, and ultimately spiritual death. However, faith in Jesus Christ causes us to be born again with a living hope! God gives new birth as part of His provision in salvation. When a sinner puts his faith in Christ, he is born anew into God’s family and receives a new nature (See John 1:12). The living hope is eternal life. Hope means confident optimism. This hope comes from God as the Christian’s continued faith in God is evidence of God’s keeping power. At the time of salvation, God energizes faith, and continues to preserve it. Saving faith is permanent and never dies. Isn’t that great news?   

Questions for further thought:
1. How have the trials of the current day sought to derail your trust in the “living hope” Paul describes? Think of some examples.

2. How does the fact that God (and not us) is the one who secures our inheritance affect you? (see verse 4-5) How does that give you hope in times of trouble?

Challenge: Do you need encouragement? Peter’s words offer joy and hope in times of trouble, and he bases his confidence on what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. Put your trust and hope in the only one who can deliver on time and without fail, Jesus Christ.