SECOND CHANCE –

Today’s devotional has been prepared by the Children’s Sunday School class of the KCMC.

As I read through the devotional this morning and prayed – I couldn’t help but think of all of the second, third, fourth and hundredth chances I have had. How despite myself, my mistakes, God like the patient Father he is continues to welcome me home. Forgives me. Changes me through His presence and offers the way of redemption.

I pray this morning’s devotional was and is as meaningful to you as it was this morning to me in the midst of own failings, sufferings, and dealings with everything that seems to come against us.

Lenten Devotionals by Us for Us –
Day 3 – February 20, 2026
Prepared by the KCMC Sunday School Children
Jonah 4:1-11
After Ninevah became a good city, Jonah became angry because he knew God would give Ninevah a second chance. God is a “gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Jonah 4:2) Jonah sat on top of a hill, feeling sorry for himself because he felt he was the only one who deserved a second chance, not his enemies in Ninevah. We often think we deserve God’s mercy, and our enemies do not.

But God gives everyone a second or third chance, even if they don’t deserve it. Everyone has the same level of “goodness and badness”, and everyone can change their ways. Jonah was bad by disobeying God and running away just like the people of Ninevah were bad. But God forgave them all equally and gave them all a second
chance. Jonah was feeling sorry for himself, but God still provided a plant to protect him from the hot sun. Then God provided a worm to eat the plant, killing the plant, leaving Jonah in the hot sun.

Is this plant equivalent to Jesus and the worm equivalent to those who killed Jesus? Jesus provides us with comfort and protection just like the plant provided Jonah with comfort and protection. Evan after the plant (Jesus) died, Jonah never realized the important purpose of the plant (Jesus). Jesus was put on earth to save us from our sins; the plant was put on earth to save Jonah from the wind and sun. Jonah’s focus on the destruction of a simple plant was larger than his focus on an entire city being saved from destruction.

This Easter season, help us remember the reason Jesus was born and died. Jesus brought all of us comfort and protection, and
gives ALL of us, friends and enemies alike, forgiveness and second chances.
*KCMC Sunday School Children*