Grace Ahead of Me

Introduction

What makes book of Jonah inherently Christian? Well, for starters this prophet being represented symbolizes Jesus in many ways. Which is why as the story of Jonah is perfect for us Christians to reread even today.

Jesus is saturated everywhere within the novella. He is the one who pursues the disobedient. Christ is the one who descends as Jonah, but in obedience to the Father. Jonah remained in the great fish as Jesus did in the heart of the earth for three days and three night. Truly, this Christian OT narrative is for us believers and for us to learn more about God’s character and inspired message.

However, before we enter into the presence of God let’s humble ourselves before the Lord in prayer.

“O Divine Love, conceal yourself, leap over our suffering, make us obedient! Arouse us and confuse us. Shatter all illusions and plans so that we lose our way and see neither path nor light until we have found you” (De Cauassade, Sacrament of the Present Moment, 35).

Now, if you have brought your bibles, I encourage you to open them and turn to the book of Jonah. This book is found in the Old Testament and is in between the book Obadiah and Micah and open to the third chapter.

Jonah's Journey with the Word

Jonah is recommissioned to communicate the Word to the wicked city of Nineveh. The Lord transformed disobedience to obedience because Jonah learned his lesson to listen. That’s why we need to listen to the Lord by following his prompting.

Jonah faithfully communicates the Word that turns great city. Saving faith and repentance occurs in the wicked city.

The Word “Overthrowing” Nineveh

The signs of repentance affects the masses.

Will God spare us? The question the king and Jonah we’re both asking themselves.

God's Piety towards Nineveh

Jonah's anger reveals God's character.

God's compassion is without limits. The spiritual concern we share in common with Jonah is our limited understanding of the grace of God and his intrinsic value his places on people.

The Word and God's Grace

The Jonah/Jesus comparison - Who do they value?

Why do we struggle to share the Word which saves sinners?

What is required of you?

God requires you to communicate the gospel to all creation (Mk 16:15).

God requires you to communicate the gospel in public: groceries stores, gas stations, the break rooms, libraries, outdoor recreation areas, nursing homes government buildings, churches and also in personal: living rooms, neighborhoods, family homes, backyards, and corner streets.

God require you to communicate the gospel for he is gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.

You can do what God requires by first communicating the gospel to yourself and then to others.

Galatians 2:20 ESV

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

We know God is gracious, therefore, communicate his Word (DT).