Today’s Reading: Jonah 3
Jonah 2 ends with Jonah being spat up on the shore. (gross) Jonah 3 starts with him heading to Ninevah after realizing that God will be with him and that he needs to trust and obey.
This mirrors the theological reality of all humanity. Romans 3:23 states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” In our natural state, based strictly on merit and justice, no one deserves salvation. Like Nineveh, we are citizens of a world characterized by sin and Rebellion against God. We do not deserve grace; we merit the consequences of our actions.
The grace offered by Jesus is “good news” for a world facing destruction. The requirement is not to do a list of things to earn it, but rather, as Nineveh did, to believe and repent. We contribute nothing to our salvation but the sin that made it necessary. Grace is a gift, and like the Ninevites, we can only receive it; we cannot work for it. (Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”)
Lord, thank you for Your grace. The grace You have always provided, and we don’t deserve. Thank you for sending your son and reminding us that it’s all about You. Amen