Jonah 3:1-5, 10
1The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying, 2“Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” 3So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. 4Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” 5And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.
10When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
Prayer:
God of Grace,
We thank you for your faithfulness.
Like Jonah, we are going to try to have our own plans.
You are faithful.
We do know how to listen and we do eventually hear you and follow you, but often we do it with a frustrated and angry attitude – like Jonah as he marched through Ninevah sure they would not be saved and then really angry with God for his compassion with the people.
Help us hear you better, help us follow you more quickly and help us do what you need us to do with much more grateful hearts. Amen.
Written by Kristi Button, University of Arkansas UCM