God's Compassion is Greater
Even When We Choose to Go Our Own Way
At one time or another, every child of God struggles with learning to surrender their will to His. But, in this process, we discover and come to appreciate the beautiful reality that God is “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity” (cf. Jonah 4:2b).
Recognize and celebrate the evidence of God’s compassion:
1. The LORD commissions Jonah with a significant assignment, despite knowing his frailty (vs. 1-2)
- We are all “jars of clay,” yet God uses us in our frailty to display His all-surpassing power (cf. 2 Cor. 4:7; Isa. 40:6-8a)
- God will “tap His people on the shoulder” for difficult assignments so that we will discover and appreciate how gracious and compassionate He is (cf. 2 Pt. 3:9)
- Despite our frailty, He has given us the ministry and message of reconciliation (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17-20)
Praise God, His compassion is greater than our frailty!
2. The LORD continues to use Jonah, despite his reluctancy and rebellion (vs. 4-16)
- The journey will always be more difficult when we attempt to substitute our will for God’s will (cf. Prov. 3:5-6; Isa. 26:7)
- When God commands us to do something, He expects us to listen and obey (cf. James 1:22)
- Even when we are “on the run,” God is sovereign over our lives and He graciously continues to use us as His witnesses
Praise God, His compassion is greater than our reluctancy and rebellion!
3. He compassionately rescues Jonah, despite the mess he got himself into (vs. 17)
- The LORD prepares and ordains our rescue so that we can serve Him on His mission (cf. Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:8-10)
- The LORD’s rescue of a rebellious, drowning prophet displays His pursuing and extraordinary compassion and His saving love (cf. Ps. 103:13-14; Rom. 9:15-16)
- Jehovah is the “God of the second chance,” even for rebellious prophets
Praise God, His compassion is greater than the messes we get ourselves into!
The LORD extends His compassion and mercy to those who are on the run and in the midst of trouble.
Look for evidence of His compassion in your life and celebrate when you experience it!
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