Unsplash – Jon Tyson Photographer
Have you ever desired someone to receive justice? If you are like me this has happened many times. We worship a God that is both a God of mercy, but also a God of justice. It is God’s very nature to have mercy on us and justice is only a last resort. In Jonah chapter one, the prophet Jonah did not want to minister to the people of Nineveh because they were an enemy of Israel. Because they were an enemy of Israel Jonah wanted God to bring judgment upon them, not mercy. Jonah was called by God to preach to the people of Nineveh because God wanted to give them one more opportunity to turn away from their sin and turn toward him. This was God’s mercy.
- Even though Nineveh doesn’t deserve mercy, God assigns Jonah to go and preach. God is pursuing them in hopes that they will repent.
- God sends a storm on the ship to pursue Jonah. Jonah has a call on his life and God, in His mercy, continues to call Jonah.
- Even though the storm is severe, the ship does not break up nor are any lives lost.
- In God’s mercy, Jonah doesn’t drown as he goes overboard but is swallowed by a great fish.
As we observe the repeated mercy of the Lord in our story, we can better understand God’s love and His character.
In God’s mercy, the Lord sent His son, Jesus, to die for our sins on the cross. All of our sins were poured out upon our Lord as He suffered on the cross. Although we were the ones who deserved to be punished, the Lord took our punishment for us. That is mercy in action. Have you asked Jesus into your heart and received His merciful gift of salvation? It is a free gift to you and me, but it cost Jesus his life. Is the Lord calling you today to place your faith in him?
The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Cor. 6:2, “For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.”
Listen to hear more about Jonah: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-jonah-1/jonah-repents
Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (2 Co 6:2). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.