You likely know the story of Jonah:
- He tries to run from God,
- Spends a 3-day “time out” in the belly of a large fish (the Bible doesn’t say it’s a whale),
- Is given a second chance,
- Then does what God commands, albeit with a bad attitude
He proclaims, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” Talk about a lousy sermon.
Eight concise and direct words. He doesn’t use persuasive language, doesn’t implore the people to act, and doesn’t show any compassion or concern.
He is blunt and to the point. Technically, he does what God tells him to do, but his heart isn’t in it.
Amazingly, the people get his message, are convicted, and repent. So God lovingly relents and calls the whole thing off—and Jonah gets pissed.
He even picks a good seat to watch the destruction take place—and then pouts when God gives Nineveh a reprieve.
Essentially, Jonah reluctantly preaches a bad sermon and then gets mad because he is successful.
Despite all that, God is able to use him anyway. How encouraging that is for us when we run away from what God calls us to do.
[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Jonah 1-4 and today’s post is on Jonah 3:4.]
Learn more about all twelve of the Bible’s Minor Prophets in Peter’s book, Return to Me: 40 Prophetic Teachings about Unfaithfulness, Punishment, and Hope from the Minor Prophets
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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