Jonah: The Reluctant, Disobedient, Angry Prophet

Jonah 1:1-4; 2:1-2, 7-10; 3:6-10; 4:1-3, 9-11

This is a story about the mercy of God to a people who did not deserve it. It’s about a prophet’s struggle to understand how God could care for and love people who turned away. While we may want to limit God’s grace to those whom we think really deserve it, God’s love is wider and more universal than we can imagine. Jonah struggles with obedience when he’s asked to do something he doesn’t want to. Even prophets can be disobedient. Who are our Ninevites? Who would we like to see punished for their sin? When was the last time you didn’t want to do something God asked you to? Are you grateful for second chances yet resent others when they get them? Whatever happened to Jonah, anyway?