“And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray Thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that Thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest Thee of the evil” (Jonah 4:2).

Can you imagine it? An evangelist presented the message, and an entire city repented! You would think that the preacher would be elated! Not so with Jonah. He became enraged. Some state that Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh because of his fear. I don’t think so. I believe he didn’t want to go to Nineveh because these people were enemies of Israel. He didn’t want them to hear and repent. He wanted the Lord to destroy them. Read the verse for today once again. Jonah is furious. Think of this. He was glad for the grace of God that extended to him (Jonah 1:17-2:10), but he didn’t want it to extend to his enemies. How does this affect you and me? We need to be careful not to write anyone off. God’s grace can extend to anyone who repents and turns to Him.

For today: Wonderful is the grace of the Lord Jesus that reaches the most unlikely and the most unlovable! I am so glad it reaches me. How about you?