Jonah was sent by God to preach to the city of Nineveh (capital of Assyria) but he ran away. Though it's a familiar story, the truth is very few Christians believe & really understand this. It's more than just the story of a great fish swallowing a man- it’s about you and me & our enemies, about how narrow our love is. How we cannot stand that God loves our enemies, to pray for them that persecute us, though we are taught as Christians to do so. How often have we done that? And if God really is merciful to save our enemies, are we even rejoicing?

God is using Jonah to change us, to understand the love of God - so big, like the heavens, forgiveness -so free. "For I knew that You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and relenting from disaster"(4:2). Hard to imagine & worse than that, hard to accept. May these truths give you a beautiful glimpse of the greatness of God's love, mercy, & forgiveness. May we love this God of great mercy. May you know your God!