Bryant Wright, Founder

“(Jonah) prayed to the Lord, ‘Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.’”  Jonah 4:2

In ancient times, Nineveh was one of the most powerful cities in the world. Known for violence and wickedness, the people of Nineveh were the worst of the worst. God called Jonah to preach there, but Jonah preferred to go almost anywhere else. Eventually, Jonah stopped running from God and arrived in Nineveh with a message that convicted each and every person. It was a very short sermon, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” (Jonah 3:4). From the king down to the peasants, the entire city repented of their sins and cried out for God’s mercy.

God saw their repentant hearts and responded, sparing the city. Surprisingly, Jonah was not pleased with this turn of events. He hated the Ninevites and wanted to see them face God’s judgment. Have you ever felt that way? All too quickly, Jonah had forgotten the same love and mercy he had received after running from God. He was just like us when we would rather see bad people face God’s judgment vs. His love and grace.

God’s greatest desire is that everyone experience His forgiveness and be restored into a right relationship with Him. Nothing gives God greater joy than seeing a person repent and turn from their sins towards Him. Have you been running from God? Maybe today is the day you need to stop running and cry out for mercy. No matter your past, God’s forgiveness and mercy are bigger. Just look at Jonah and the people of Nineveh!

DIG DEEPER:
Read “Lord, Have Mercy – On Me!” by Jonathan Munson