Mercy

 Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.”
Jonah 3:9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jon.3.9.ESV

I love the attitude of the king of the Ninevites. He has no sense of entitlement. There's no presumption that God's bound to have mercy upon his people.

Jonah had finally come round to warning the Ninevites of impending disaster. As Israel's enemies, Jonah thought they were going to get their comeuppance. He didn't want God to have mercy upon them.

The king of the Ninevites called a fast. He sat in sackcloth and ashes, hoping that God would relent from His wrath. Sure enough, God called off the destruction of Ninevah.

Just imagine if someone shared the gospel with Putin, who repented and called a nationwide fast. God isn't just merciful to Jews or Christians, but even violent people like him. There's hope for the worst of sinners in the Lord Jesus Christ.

'Sovereign God, forbid that we should ever presume upon Your mercy, but thank You for being merciful. In Jesus' name, amen'

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