God’s Pursuing Grace (a Second Time)

Jonah 1-4; 2 Timothy 2 

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.’ But Jonah ran away...Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time:…”

Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1

Jonah’s story is a good illustration of the pursuing grace of God, both for Nineveh and for Jonah. Jonah ran away from the call of God because of disobedience, prejudice, and a self-centered view of God. Despite Jonah’s rebellion against the call of God, God’s pursuit of Jonah (and his discipline) provided another opportunity for Jonah to say ‘Yes” to God’s word. Listening to the Word must be followed by obedience. Jesus called his disciples to teach others to “obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:20)”. Listening or reading the Word is not enough. 

If we ignore or disobey God’s Word despite being his disciples, what happens?

Is God through with us?

Jonah’s example reminds us that God disciplines (disciples) those he loves and the Word of the Lord will come to us a second time (and a third and a fourth…).

“Lord Jesus, thank you for your pursuing grace in my life, for your glory.”