In Jonah 3:1, it says, “The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time…”
The first time Jonah heard God’s word, he went the other direction. Jonah didn’t want to do what God called him to do. Have you ever had times where you knew what was right, but you didn’t have the desire or courage to do it?
After the whole comic episode with three days in a great fish, Jonah changes his mind. And God’s word comes a second time. God doesn’t give up. How have you experienced second chances?
If you read the short book of Jonah (4 quick chapters), you can get a taste of God’s mercy. Nineveh was a horrible city, yet the people changed because of God’s mercy. Jonah was not particularly faithful, yet God did not give up. During this stressful time in our nation (not to mention personal lives), take 2 minutes to sit. Smile gently. Breathe in God’s mercy for you. For today.
People of St. Timothy, it is hard when we cannot be together in person to sing and pray. Yet God’s word comes “a second time” to us as to Jonah, and we can listen. I am grateful for your persistence and faithfulness!
