Just Mercy

Intro

Set the Scene, two wicked cities

Both have some advocate interacting with God

The account of Sodom is in Gen 18

The account of Nineveh is in Jonah 3-4

Briefly go over both, highlighting God’s attitude and the attitude of the advocate.

The Justness of God

“Just” is an attribute of God; is an intrinsic part of His nature.

Therefore, God is unable to turn a blind eye to sin. These wicked cities needed to be addressed.

God’s Justice is one of the foundations of morality that tell each human that evil should be punished, and selflessness rewarded.

God’s Justness is important and impartial, as shown by Colossians 3:25

This “Justness” is why the wicked needed to be punished, as well as the righteous spared.

The Mercy of God

God is also Merciful as He is Just. Eph 2:4 tells us as much.

On His divine level, “Mercy is the foundation of forgiveness expressed in God’s pardon of human sin.” (Got Questions)

Through His mercy God gives people opportunities to not be punished for their sin.

This pardon doesn’t come to everyone without exception, only those who repent and turn from their wickedness. However, again, a just God gives the offer to each and every person with no partiality.

This is why Jonah was sent to Nineveh in the first place, to be the messenger of God’s Mercy and plead with them to repent.

Things to Notice

the attitude of the intercessor didn’t change God’s character

It was able to influence how far reaching His mercy went

this tells us that God always wants to give more mercy and grace than punishment.

Conclusion

Application