LEARN THE WIDENESS OF GOD’S MERCY

Jonah 4:1-11 / Keywords 4:11

LEARN THE WIDENESS OF GOD’S MERCY

 

1. Jonah prayed even when angry (1-3)

Jonah’s ministry was fruitful, but he was bitter at the outcome. Anger makes it

hard to pray. But God drew him to pray. Through his prayer we discover that God

is gracious and compassionate towards all kinds of people. God reveals himself to

those who call upon him, even to those stewing in anger.

 

2. The lesson of the vine (4-11)

God taught Jonah compassion through a vine, a worm and hot wind. Jonah

was thankful for personal grace given to him. But he needed to mature to begin

hoping that other people may be blessed. God provided a worm, which killed the

vine in the heat. Jonah was uncomfortable, inconvenienced and grew faint. He

snapped. The people of Nineveh were withering in sin, but God saved them. God’s

compassion extends to Jonah and to the Ninevites. Jonah needed to learn this to

be a servant of God.

 

Prayer Lord, I am so happy about my own salvation, but what about others-Grant

me a wide heart to care about others and lead them to faith in you.

One Word God’s mercy embraces all people