Have you ever tried to run from God? Jonah did, and as we explore his story together over these next 5 days, we’ll see how the events unfolded.
Let’s set the scene: God instructed Jonah to go preach to the city of Nineveh. Nineveh was about as corrupt and dangerous as cities could be in that time, and Jonah wanted nothing to do with it. He preferred preaching to the nation of Israel, where he knew the culture and the language.
But God loves all people, everywhere, and he desires a relationship with the people of Nineveh no less than he desires a relationship with the people of Jerusalem. (And the people of Pennsylvania!) That doesn’t change because the people have a different language or are the most violent people of their day. It doesn’t change because you think you don’t deserve love or because you’ve done things you regret. God loves you. It’s who he is.
That’s why God sent Jonah to Nineveh. It’s also why Jesus came to earth, to live as a man and die on our behalf. Jesus told his followers that he came “to seek and save those who are lost.” The story of Jonah reflects God’s love for all people, everywhere. Israel, Nineveh, Pennsylvania. You.
Prayer: God, please open my eyes to the people around me. You love them. help me to love them as you do, and give me boldness and grace to share the truth of your love with them, whenever and wherever I can. Amen.