AfterThoughts
May 11, 2025
Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet
Jonah 3
This week, Dr. David Eldridge continued the Sermon Series entitled Jonah. In this passage, he describes three responses:
- Jonah's Response
- Nineveh's Response
- God's Response
GOING DEEPER:
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Pastor David shared that Jonah 3 is a great reminder to us that our God is a God of second chances. Our God loves to use broken and cracked vessels as His witnesses in our world. When have you found this truth to be lived out in your life and the lives of others?
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Following his disobedience, Jonah got up and followed what God commanded. If you have been in a season of disobedience, some things in your life you wish you could rewind or undo, you are in good biblical company and can be assured that God still has work for you to do. What circumstances or memories tempt you to think God has given up on you? How can you change your schedule this week to meditate on the character of God as witnessed in Scripture and to gain confidence in His love for you and desire to restore you?
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In what Pastor David described as the most surprising plot twist in the entire book of Jonah, the people of Nineveh believed God. They put their faith not in the message, but in the God who gave the message. God used His word to do His work of drawing people to Him. God’s word never returns void. Are there groups of people you feel are outside of God’s grace or mercy or who will never turn to Him? How can you change your schedule this week to pray consistently and fervently for this group of people?
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While God does not change, humans do change (the people of Nineveh turned from their evil ways and repented). God didn’t treat the people of Nineveh as their sins deserve and He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve. When genuine repentance happens, God responds to the new circumstances in accord with His character and nature. As we turn from our sin, we receive His mercy and grace out of His character and nature that never changes. Are you running from God’s will? Turn to Him today. Turn to Jesus’ open arms and receive His mercy and grace. How can you live in joy and confidence this week because of this joyous, great news?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
• To view past sermons, please click here.
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24–26
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