Jonah
Unlike most prophetic books, Jonah is mainly a story. Called to preach to Nineveh, the great Assyrian city and Israel's enemy, Jonah boards a ship going the opposite way. A storm, frightened sailors, and a great fish bring him back. His message in Nineveh is only a few words, yet the whole city repents, from the king down to the cattle. Jonah is furious that God relents. The book ends with a question about a withered plant and a city full of people and animals, and it never records Jonah's answer. Read it slowly, and consider how you might answer.
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Jonah meditation prompts by chapter
- Jonah 1: Jonah ran toward Tarshish and fell asleep while the storm raged around him. Is there a call from God you have been quietly sailing away from?
- Jonah 2: Tangled in seaweed and sinking, Jonah remembered the Lord and prayed. From whatever depth you are in today, let your prayer rise; it still reaches him.
- Jonah 3: God gave Jonah a second chance, and then gave Nineveh one too. Thank him for the second chances in your own story, and pray for someone who needs one.
- Jonah 4: Jonah sulks over a withered vine while God cares for a whole city, animals included. Where might your heart be smaller than God's mercy? Let him widen it.