BOOK OF JONAH

WEEK FOUR – THE COMPASSION OF GOD

READ: CHAPTER FOUR

COMMENTARY ONLY

COMMENTARY & SCRIPTURE

DEVOTIONAL

Chapter Four – THE COMPASSION OF GOD

You can be doing the right thing with the wrong attitude. There are both the outside story and the inside story of our lives. Worship includes obedience of the heart too. God brings revival in Nineveh as over 120,000 people turn to God. Yet, Jonah really only cares about his own preferences and pleasures.

We are torn between reaching souls and remaining in our comfort zones.

Our calling is not comfortable. Love includes forgiveness, sacrifice, unselfishness and serving. May our hearts break for what breaks God’s heart. Repentance includes a shift in priorities and perspective. Jesus saw crowds who were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He told us to pray for more workers in the harvest field.

In most churches, it’s a small percentage of people who are actively sharing their faith and making disciples.

Imagine what would happen if the entire church was faithful to the call. The book of Jonah brings conviction and clarity. God gives us compassion and a sense of urgency. May we run together with the vision and glorify Jesus in the public square. We will never regret faithfulness. God will guide and provide. Let’s be unashamed about Jesus and live with His intentionality and courage daily.

Just Choose Hope

HOPE POINT

Honoring God includes both your actions and your attitude.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What is the attitude adjustment that Jonah needs? (Jonah 4:1)

2. How is God’s grace powerful and controversial? (Jonah 4:2-4)

3. Why are we often consumed with pleasure and being comfortable? (Jonah 4:5-6)

4. When have you lost perspective and God redirected you? (Jonah 4:7-9)

5. How can you reach people and lead them to God? (Jonah 4:10-11)

6. Who can you share this Scripture with during the upcoming week?

PRAYER

Almighty God, You reign and are always good. You bring salvation and encouragement. We were made in Your image and You designed us to know and worship You. Your presence is our greatest gift. We receive Your word, hope, love, wisdom, and peace. Forgive us for being self-consumed and having a lack of gratitude. You have blessed us over and over again. Thank You Holy Spirit for Your comfort, power, and guidance. Thank You Jesus for being faithful. We want to live like You and love like You. Your hope is infinite and greater than our circumstances. You are our Rock Lord. We find our identity and security in You. We praise You and offer ourselves to serve You and lead people to You. We want to do what You want us to do. You are our Good Shepherd, and we trust Your voice. We thank You and ask this in your name Jesus, amen.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Take time to reflect on what God has done in your life during the last four weeks through the book of Jonah. With God’s help, you have invested time in God’s word and now you know one book of the Bible well. You have cultivated the habit of seeking God daily and listening closely to Jesus.

You have shared Scripture where you live, work, learn, and play.

You have been empowered by the Holy Spirit. You have gained confidence in God and will live more courageously for Jesus. Review your devotional notes and celebrate the love and truth of the Lord. Choose verses to memorize as you walk by faith. God wants to lead you into new victories through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As you abide with Jesus, begin to dream again about what God wants to do in your life.

Think about how God has provided, guided, and protected. God has blessed you to be a blessing. Jesus is the One who heals us and satisfies our souls with Living Water. Give thanks to God for all breakthroughs and hope shifts. God renews our minds, restores our hearts, measures our steps, and revives us in the deepest ways.

Be devoted to spread the gospel.

We are unashamed of Jesus. Share your inspiring experiences with friends and family. You can invite others to take this 4-week journey with God. If you have enjoyed this series, explore 28 Days of Hope, 21 Days of Healing, 12 Weeks of Unity, 84 Days of Soaring, and our Hope Academy training which empowers you to make a greater impact where you live, work, learn, and play.