When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, “Salvation comes from the Lord.”

Have you ever observed someone who has been given so much, yet they turn away from what is good in their life, in full on rebellion? They dive into a life that is focused mainly on themselves. Even their kindness has alternative motives — to look good in front of others, to have people’s affection and appreciation, to justify their own sin with a “my good outweighs my bad” mindset.  And when this all falls apart, all of their plans for societal success are shattered, they turn from God.

This is what Jonah’s story was up to this point. He had likely had a pretty decent life, being respected in Jewish society as a prophet. He may have followed the Jewish custom rules to a T and gained the admiration of all around. And then … the call to Nineveh came and changed everything. Other prophets could have likely called him out for not obeying God. Once he admitted this, he might have been dismissed as a prophet, who knows? And so he fled in shock and anger!

It may seem like he repented on the boat in the storm, but he did not fully repent until he found himself in the smelly belly of a big fish. In his rebellion he was stubborn. His anger at God for messing up his life was palpable.

But God got through to Jonah, he never gave up on him. And he never gives up on me or you either. He is faithful to pursue us even in our anger at him and disobedience to his call.

What an AWESOME and GRACIOUS GOD we serve!

Thank you, Father, for loving me and never ever giving up on me. You are faithful, oh so faithful.  You will never break your word to me, though I may fall away in sin, you still love me just like you deeply loved Jonah!