In Jonah 3:1-10 The Ninevites hear Jonah’s message and repent. Their king proclaims a time of repentance. Jonah, the reluctant prophet, will resent God’s mercy toward them. Unlike Jonah, we know that our God is always merciful and compassionate. God is nonviolent, in spite of First Testament anthropomorphisms. He sends prophets to call us to justice and mercy. We are to be compassionate as God is compassionate. We just have to turn to God and we will be saved. We will be healed. We will be made whole. We need to break out the sackcloth and ashes and turn toward God. Continue reading →