God's Coaching #336

God's Coaching #336

Michael Vick entered the 2010 NFL season as one of the most hated people in sports. He finished the year as one of the most respected. Playing quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Michael made defenders look silly as they tried to catch him. At first, fans weren’t sure how to react. Several years earlier, Michael had served a 19-month prison term for his involvement in illegal dogfighting. Many people felt the 2001 first overall draft pick should never be allowed to play football again. Because of his terrible crimes, they said he didn’t deserve a second chance.

Philadelphia signed Michael in 2009, but he hardly played. When the Eagles’ starting quarterback got injured at the beginning of the 2010 season, Michael stepped in and showed his past greatness. In fact, maybe he played even better than he ever had before. Shortly after Michael led Philadelphia to consecutive wins against Washington and New York, Sports Illustrated ran a cover story on him with the headline, “Is It OK to Cheer?”

What’s the Score?

Regardless of what people thought of him, Michael was grateful for a second chance. Jonah was thankful for a second chance too. You remember Jonah, right? God instructed the Old Testament prophet to tell the wicked people of Nineveh to repent and follow God. But Jonah said no and sailed in the opposite direction to Tarshish. Bad idea. God caused a great storm. When the crew realized Jonah was the cause of their problems, they threw him overboard. Things looked pretty bad for Jonah until he cried out to the Lord in his great trouble, and God answered him (Jonah 2:2). God miraculously saved Jonah by sending a great fish to swallow him and spit him onto dry land three days later. Grateful for his second chance, Jonah preached to the Ninevites, who repented.

We’re more like Jonah than we care to admit. Maybe we haven’t tried to board a ship to Tarshish, but we’ve all said no to God. That’s called sin. Just like Jonah learned, going against God’s commands is not very smart. God has every right to punish us for our sins. But in his mercy, he provided us a second chance through his Son, Jesus Christ. And finding forgiveness in Jesus is way better than traveling around in a smelly fish.

On the Ball

The next time you beat someone in a game, give that person a second chance. Remember what God has done for you.

Coach’s Comment

He said, “I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me.” Jonah 2:2