Bible Chapter: Jonah 3 & 4

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Finally, Jonah was ready to listen when the LORD spoke to him the second time.  Yes, God had his attention.  He got up and went to Nineveh to deliver the message God had for the city.  This time Jonah obeyed the Lord.  When he entered the city, he exclaimed to the people that in forty days Nineveh would be destroyed!  The amazing thing is that the people of Nineveh believed God’s message and expressed sorrow for their sin.  Even the king got involved and sent a decree for all to fast and mourn.  He called for all to pray earnestly to God and turn from their evil ways.  Perhaps God would change His mind and not destroy them.  Perhaps God would show mercy.   When God saw their repentance, He did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.  He spared the city.
This is where many people quit reading.  Even though this is a very well known story, many people are only familiar with the first three chapters of the book. They are surprised when they read chapter four.  God’s forgiveness upset Jonah, and he became very angry with God.  He complained to the Lord.  He knew God was merciful and would forgive if they repented.  It is amazing to think that Jonah didn’t what that to happen.  He knew that God didn’t really want to have to destroy the city.  Jonah was so angry at what God did that he said He should just kill him.  God told Jonah that it was right for Him to have mercy on the 120,000 inhabitants of the city.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
JONAH’S ANGER AT GOD’S MERCY
This is an amazing ending to the story.  God used Jonah, even though He knew he would not want to go there.  He used Jonah even though Jonah hated the residents of Nineveh.  He used an unwilling and stubborn vessel.  God wants to use people to advance His purpose.  He can use any of us.  We must be willing to be used and be happy when God shows His compassion and mercy. If God wasn’t merciful and filled with grace, none of us would have a chance.

3.  How can I help someone?
See the mercy and compassion of God. See how He even reaches out to the people that others would write off as worthless.  Receive His mercy.  Show it to all.