Day 266: Jonah 2:1 - Micah 4:13

I always love it when it comes to the stories that I've known almost all of my life. In fact, this is one of those stories that everyone in the world seems to know regardless of whether or not they are Christian. Interestingly enough, although most people see this as a story of judgment - God judging Jonah; it's really more about God's mercy and Him withdrawing His judgment on Nineveh. It can feel somewhat repetitive reading story after story about the people of Israel being warned of God's wrath, ignoring it, and then repenting long after. It's very refreshing to hear about what happens when somebody heeds God's warning and is spared. Of course, there's also the fatally human, incredibly ironic side of the story that reminds us that God can use anyone regardless of how flawed they are. Jonah was saved from certain death inside the giant fish because he turned to God and yet he got so incredibly upset when God spared Nineveh because they did the same thing. We must understand that God is a just God and whether or not we agree with Him, His will will always be done.

- Lord, thank You for Your mercy and for reminding us that we don't have to die cursed as long as we are willing to turn to You. Help us to have Your compassion and be excited when the lost come back to You. -