Jonah's preaching to Nineveh was successful (despite him trying to sabotage it). Yet, instead of rejoicing in God's salvation for the city, he grew furious. How could God save such a wicked people? Jonah still didn't fully understand the depths of God's grace. Have we?

Jonah seemed to repent in chapter two. But is it possible to repent of your repentance? Don’t you and I do that all the time? Have you ever been sorry for your sin only to find yourself doing it again?

In chapter 3, God tells Jonah once again to go to Nineveh. This time he actually does, but it seems like he does the bare minimum required for the job. He barely goes into the city and preaches the only part of God’s message he likes - the part about Nineveh’s destruction. Yet, somehow God still uses Jonah’s actions and brings rescue to the great city of Nineveh. They humble themselves before God and recognize His power over them, and in His graciousness, He saves them.

Vomit. Giant sea creatures. Repentance. This tale has it all.

What seemed like certain death was actually God's saving grace when Jonah was swallowed up by the big fish. 3 days and 3 nights in the dark belly of the beast, Jonah had time to reflect and turn from his foolishness (even if temporarily). Then, at that moment God breathed new life into Jonah - or in this case, vomited new life.

Thankfully a better prophet came into the world who also descended into the dark belly of the beast of death on our behalf... but not because he was running from God, but because he was obedient to Him. Then on the third day he rose again (not from vomit this time). Now we can have new life breathed into the dark belly of the beast of our sin.

The book of Jonah has often been relegated to a children's story about a whale. But Jonah's story is the story of Israel. It's the story of God's people. It's the story of you and I... and more importantly, it's the story of the God who relentlessly pursues His people.

Why do we run from this God? You and I do it too, not just Jonah. What is your boat to Tarshish? Why do we look to so many other false hopes in the midst of the storm of our life? God is the only one who can calm the storm, as He enters into the storm on our behalf.

In the final chapter of Ruth we see a family redeemer remove his sandal as a symbol of passing up his opportunity and responsibility to care for the vulnerable and invite in the foreigner, while another redeemer steps up in his place. This reminds us of Israel’s call to be a light to the nations and a kingdom of priests, but they neglected their call in order to look out for themselves. Thank God another, better, truer Redeemer came in their place. One whose sandals all others were not worthy to untie.

In Ruth 3 we see Naomi try to take matters into her own hands to provide for Ruth. The stage is set for history to repeat itself and for Israel to continue "doing what is right in their own eyes". But right at the climactic moment, something changes. What Naomi purposed in her own understanding, God intervened and used for the good of all His people.

Ruth goes to glean in Boaz’s field. She’s poor, hungry, an immigrant, a widow, and she’s vulnerable. Boaz and his men have every opportunity to take advantage of her… and every responsibility to take care of her.

The book of Ruth has often been treated as a side-story in the Bible about friendship or finding love... but it is so much more! The foreign, barren widow, Ruth, points us forward to the King of all creation, Jesus. In this historical story we find the loyalty and faithfulness of an oppressed woman teaching us about the loyalty and faithfulness of a good God.

Because of who God is, what He has done, and who He has made us to be - we can now live out the rhythms of life with intention, bringing the good news in all areas as we bless, listen, eat, speak, and sabbath.

The Canadians are coming. 2020 has got nothing on 587BC. Plus, some good news from the True Story.

Listen to this teaching from Chris Gonzalez of Missio Dei: Tempe to hear more about our purpose and identity as God's people.