June 20
2 Kings 14:1-14; 2 Chronicles 25:1-24; 2 Kings 13:12-13, 14:15-16, 14:23-27; 2 Chronicles 25:25-28; 2 Kings 14:17- 22, 15:1-5; 2 Chronicles 26:1-21; Jonah 1:1-4:11
Jeroboam II had restored the boundaries of Israel according to God’s word as “spoken through his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath Hepher” (2 Kings 14:25). Jonah, a prophet in Israel? That sure slipped by me as a child in Sunday school. Jonah was the prophet swallowed by a whale. Here are some other truths about Jonah. He was the only prophetic voice for Israel for approximately 40 years between Elisha and Amos. He lived in Gath Hepher, a village 3 miles northeast of Nazareth. Jonah was the only prophet sent with a message to Gentiles. After he tried to run away, endured a storm, and was swallowed by a whale, he finally fulfilled his calling.
This would make a great end to the story, however, Jonah became angry when God did not destroy Israel’s enemy. Jonah’s reason for not going to Nineveh the first time was grounded in Exodus 34:6-7a, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” Jonah knew his theology but had trouble applying it to his enemies. God does not want us to be like Jonah, but like him─compassionate and gracious, not quick to anger.
Father, renew me with your compassion and mercy for others. May I show concern and share you with those who intersect my path. Amen.
What person can you show God’s compassion and mercy today?
Jeroboam II had restored the boundaries of Israel according to God’s word as “spoken through his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath Hepher” (2 Kings 14:25). Jonah, a prophet in Israel? That sure slipped by me as a child in Sunday school. Jonah was the prophet swallowed by a whale. Here are some other truths about Jonah. He was the only prophetic voice for Israel for approximately 40 years between Elisha and Amos. He lived in Gath Hepher, a village 3 miles northeast of Nazareth. Jonah was the only prophet sent with a message to Gentiles. After he tried to run away, endured a storm, and was swallowed by a whale, he finally fulfilled his calling.
This would make a great end to the story, however, Jonah became angry when God did not destroy Israel’s enemy. Jonah’s reason for not going to Nineveh the first time was grounded in Exodus 34:6-7a, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” Jonah knew his theology but had trouble applying it to his enemies. God does not want us to be like Jonah, but like him─compassionate and gracious, not quick to anger.
Father, renew me with your compassion and mercy for others. May I show concern and share you with those who intersect my path. Amen.
What person can you show God’s compassion and mercy today?
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