Most people—even those only slightly familiar with the Bible—have heard of Jonah. It’s a story that captures the imagination: a runaway prophet, a raging storm, and a giant fish. But while the great fish gets the headlines, it’s the work of our great God that takes centre stage. This short book is rich in truth and overflowing with surprises. It’s a comedy of sorts—satirical, sharp, and deeply searching. Jonah is a prophet who runs from God’s call, fails in every assignment, and sulks when mercy wins. And yet, through every twist and turn, God shows himself to be merciful, patient, and sovereign. He pursues not only the lost people of Nineveh, but also his rebellious prophet.
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Jonah is the only Old Testament prophet sent to a foreign nation. That fact alone tells us something staggering: God’s mercy is not limited by borders, bloodlines, or behaviour. His compassion reaches further than ours often does. His heart is wider than ours naturally is. This little book of the Bible reveals a
big truth: God is much more merciful than we are.
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That’s the theme of this series: More Merciful Than Me. Jonah points us forward to Jesus—the one who called himself the true and better Jonah. He was cast into the deep, not for his own rebellion, but for ours. He rose, not just from the belly of a fish, but from the grave itself, bringing mercy to all who will receive it.