Like Jonah, God allows us to distance ourselves from Him, to endure much distress, to literally hit bottom, if that is what is required to get us back on track (Jo. 2:2). God’s desires are never diminished or denied by our disobedience. God’s purposes will never be thwarted.
Jonah — Running the Course (Jo. 3:1-5) — Jonah disobeyed God’s initial call and commission. Yet God mercifully protected and provided for his prophet. Through a violent storm. In a great fish. By drawing him to repentance. God re-commissioned Jonah (Jo. 3:1). God’s first commission had two commands: “Go” and “preach”. His second commission was identical. But this time Jonah was told exactly what to say. Obedience was no longer an option. Obedience was essential. Meanwhile Jonah learned that the Lord is compassionate and merciful, forgiving and rescuing whomever he chooses.
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Not only was God merciful in giving Jonah a second chance, God was merciful to metropolitan Nineveh because he chose to send his prophet to them. The mercy of God is seen in His prophet’s preaching (Jo. 3:3-4); in the drama of repentance (Jo. 3:5-9); and in the sparing of this great city (Jo. 3:10). What is noteworthy is that God had prepared the hearts and minds of the Ninevites, so that Jonah’s first day of preaching brought about an incredible turning away from evil and turning toward God.
While Jonah, the narrow nationalist, longed for the Lord to punish Israel’s enemies Douglas Stuart observes that God’s mercy and patience far exceeds our own. “He manifests his sovereignty not in stubbornness but in grace; not in a narrow particularism but in a willingness to forgive any people. There is, however, a contingency. ... Only genuine repentance can result in forgiveness.” (D. Stuart, Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 31, Hosea-Jonah, Word Books, 1987, p. 496).
Sadly, Nineveh returned to its evil ways and in 611 B.C. the city was destroyed. Still Jonah — the reluctant prophet — got back on course. He discovered God’s mercy. He demonstrated obedience to God. He discerned that God was merciful and loving. Jonah realized that God loved not only his beloved Israel, but all persons everywhere.
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Sermon brief provided by: Gary Bruland, Pastor of West Shore Baptist Ch., Camp Hill, PA