Read Jonah Chapter 4 ESV

Jesus said, “I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” If there is great rejoicing over one sinner repenting, how much more is the rejoicing when great multitudes turn from their evil way and receive grace and mercy from God!

Last week in the bulletin I recounted how the “Great Awakening” revival came to Enfield, Connecticut in 1741 when Jonathan Edwards began to deliver a message. The title of that message was “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Sounds rather harsh, but there was surely great rejoicing as a great throng of people entered God’s kingdom that day!

In like manner, the five-word message that Jonah delivered to Nineveh brought that whole city to repentance. One would think the prophet would rejoice, but instead he was angry. How can that possibly be?

At issue is seeing the world in general, and people in particular as God sees them. Jonah seems not to have been awakened to the reality of his own condition, and certainly not awakened to worshipful prayer focused on bringing a message of grace to sinners.

What about us today? This Sunday let us reflect on this question as we conclude our series on the book of Jonah.

The Lord is Gracious!

Bob Landon

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