God’s Compassion and Love Prevails
A Sermon on Jonah 4:1-11 by Pastor Allan Santos
Watch the sermon here.
Introduction
Most of us will agree that we love good endings in every story that we read and watch. The book of Jonah ended with a prophet complaining about God’s mercy and forgiveness to the people of Nineveh. Jonah wanted to control the result of the story and wanted to see this evil nation perish because of their sins. However, God has decided to forgive the Ninevites because of their confession and repentance of their sins towards the Lord. Because of God’s compassion, mercy, and love to people, they were forgiven and not punished.
Outline
Jonah’s objection and grumble on God’s mercy (vv.1-3)
God’s object lessons: The plant and scorching east wind (vv.4-8)
Jonah’s rebellious and divided heart on God’s will (v. 9)
God’s forgiveness, compassion, and love prevail (v. 10-11)
Life Application
Jonah’s rebellion against God’s will is the result of his anger and hatred toward the Ninevites. God handled Jonah’s anger with compassion and graciousness. God asked Jonah this question: “Is it right for you to become angry?” This question calls for Jonah to evaluate his moral position and heart towards sinners. How about you, what are the things that make you angry that affect your relationship with the Lord?
God’s heart is for people to repent, turn away from their sins and acknowledge Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. As a church, what are the practical ways that we are to reach out to people who need Jesus? Are we praying for them? Do we invite them to our church and our Bible study groups? Are we living a life worthy of the Gospel?
The book of Jonah ends with God’s compassion for the Ninevites and a strong question to Jonah, that is if he will accept and embrace God’s will, or he will rebel against it? I firmly believe that this question is not only for Jonah but for all of us. Are we accepting and submitting to God’s will in our life or are we resisting it?
