When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh:
“By the decree of the king and his nobles:
Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
– Jonah 3:6-10
But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He 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 4:1-2
The Story of Jonah
Jonah’s claim to fame was running from God and ending up in the belly of a large fish. God’s mercy on Jonah and his survival after such a harrowing experience is a significant miracle in this story, but there’s an even bigger miracle that unfolds with the people of Nineveh.
Nineveh was known for its cruelty towards other nations. God sent Jonah on a mission to give Nineveh a message. If they did not repent, they would be destroyed. Miraculously, the Ninevites repented of their cruelty, so God showed mercy, sparing them from his judgment. Jonah was angry that God was quick to show compassion to his enemies. He hoped for their destruction, but they experienced transformation through God.
Although the circumstances are different, we can also experience transformation through God. The birth of Jesus made a way for us to repent and be saved by his name. Jesus transforms our destruction into salvation if we call on him.
Reflect
How can Jesus’ mercy in your life, encourage you to share the gospel with others?
Pray
Lord, we repent of our sins and ask for Your forgiveness. We do not deserve Your mercy and our hearts are full of gratitude. We will spread the good news of salvation to whomever you tell us to.