As we continue in the story of Jonah in our daily devotions, we receive amazing insight into the character of God. Our Lord and Savior is merciful and compassionate. This is just the opposite of Jonah who is not concerned about the people of Nineveh. As we get to know our Lord, we see Him being merciful and compassionate throughout the Scriptures.
This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.[1]Jonah 4:1-3
On our journey through life we are not always doing what we should. Sometimes we get off the trail for years with little thought about God. Maybe you are there now, but the Holy Spirit is working in your heart to draw you back. Even if you are a church goer, God’s word may fall on hard and rocky ground. The Lord pours into us like a good teacher, even when others may have given up. I am writing about this from personal experience.
How has the Lord show his mercy and compassion toward you? How does the Lord want you to share that same compassion with others? Give thanks to the Lord today for His ongoing patience with you on your faith journey.
To hear more of the story of Jonah click here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-jonah-1/jonahs-anger
For more teaching on Jonah check these podcasts out:
[1]Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation(Jon 4). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.