Today, we see two “changes.” First, Jonah changes. He gets out of the belly of the great fish, and he does the very thing that he said he would not do. He goes to Nineveh and he preaches to the very folks he did not want to. He changed. Now, it was only after great suffering that he changed. Second, we see the people of Nevaeh change. They heard the message from Jonah, and they changed. They repented. They were sorry for their great sin. They changed. The great thing about this is that we see what happens when we change and repent. God forgives.

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he’ll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God’s Word.

If you’d like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up.

Click on the image above or this link to watch today’s video.

You can read today’s passage here.

You can podcast this reflection here. You can subscribe through Spotify or Apple Podcasts as well.

Or, if you’d like to read the transcript of the video, keep reading!

Good morning! It’s great to be with you again as we delve into the transformative story of Jonah. Today, we’re exploring Jonah chapter three, a chapter filled with profound changes and powerful lessons.

First, let’s talk about Jonah himself. After his harrowing experience in the belly of the great fish, Jonah receives a second chance from the Lord. This time, when God commands him to go to Nineveh and proclaim His message, Jonah obeys. Despite his initial reluctance and attempt to flee from God’s presence, Jonah now embraces his divine calling. His painful journey has led him to a place of repentance and obedience. It’s a reminder that sometimes it takes adversity and struggle for us to recognize the error of our ways and turn back to God.

Next, we witness the remarkable transformation of the people of Nineveh. Nineveh, a city known for its wickedness and cruelty, responds to Jonah’s message with genuine repentance. From the king to the common citizens, everyone in Nineveh heeds Jonah’s warning and turns to God. They demonstrate their repentance through fasting, wearing sackcloth, and earnestly seeking forgiveness. Their actions show a profound change of heart and a sincere desire to turn away from their sinful ways. It’s a powerful example of the transformative power of God’s word and the possibility of redemption for even the most sinful and rebellious.

And finally, we see the merciful response of God. Despite the wickedness of Nineveh, God relents from bringing destruction upon the city when He sees their genuine repentance. He forgives them and extends His grace and compassion. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s unfailing love and His desire for reconciliation with His people. No matter how far we’ve strayed or how grievous our sins may be, God is always ready to forgive us when we turn back to Him in repentance.

In this chapter, we see a beautiful narrative of repentance, transformation, and forgiveness. It reminds us that change is possible, even in the most unlikely circumstances. It encourages us to examine our own lives and consider where we may need to repent and turn back to God. And it reassures us of God’s boundless love and mercy, which are available to all who seek Him with a sincere heart.

So, as we reflect on the story of Jonah chapter three, let’s consider how we can respond to God’s call for repentance in our own lives. Let’s embrace the opportunity for change and transformation, knowing that God is always ready to forgive and restore us. And let’s share the message of God’s love and mercy with others, inviting them to experience the life-changing power of His grace.

Thank you for joining me today. I hope you have a blessed and transformative day, filled with the joy of knowing God’s forgiveness and love. Take care, and I look forward to continuing our journey through Jonah together tomorrow.