A more vivid picture of God’s mercy and forgiveness could not have been given to Jonah, than when this life-saving fish vomited him up onto dry land, and God again called Jonah to go to Nineveh. In a world characterized by unforgiveness, many careers, friendships, and even marriages have been terminated over a single error. Even when someone is given a ‘second chance,’ it is usually probationary and given with many stipulations. But God, who has been called, “the God of the second chance,” is all that and more! Jonah did have to go back to square one, but he did with the assurance, that God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable.
Scripture is replete with affirmations of God’s unchangeableness. See Num 23:19, 2 Pet 3:9, Rom 11:29). God’s promises are certain; they will be fulfilled exactly as He determines and declares. Man cannot thwart any of God’s plan, and He Himself will not break them. What is true of elected believers is true of elected Israel: “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thes 5:24). Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Cor 9:15) and that His mercies are new every morning (Lam 3:23).
