While we might be tempted to think of the story of Jonah as a funny story about a big fish, it really addresses hard issues. Jonah, God’s chosen messenger, decided that his opinion of others’ worth and value was more important that what God said.
But God’s mercy will not be denied, and if God’s messenger was unfaithful, things were going to get stormy. Meanwhile God’s Word continues to be heard by unlikely people. In the end, God offered mercy to Jonah’s enemies and to Jonah. Neither was more deserving than the other, but God alone chooses whom God will love.
All are welcome to join us for worship!
SATURDAY EVENING WORSHIP 5:00PM
- A modified traditional worship service, generally less that 45 minutes. We gather the smaller chapel on the Front Street side of the building
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
8:30 AM
Traditional Worship
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We gather in the main sanctuary for liturgical Lutheran worship, accompanied by the pipe organ and featuring our excellent choir.
9:30 AM Sunday School Classes
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Classes for age 3 and up are held throughout the building, while there is time for coffee and conversation in the fellowship hall.
10:30 AM
Contemporary Worship
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Led by our Praise Team we share contemporary Christian music, God’s Word and prayer in the sanctuary.
Devotions for this week:
Jonah & God’s Mercy November 13
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding:
Sunday: Jonah and God’s Mercy, Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10 [4:1-11]
Monday: Zephaniah Prophesies Against the Kingdoms, Zephaniah 1:14-18
Tuesday: Nahum Prophesies of God’s Wrath, Nahum 1:1-11
Wednesday: Habakkuk Prophesies and Prays, Habakkuk 3:1-19
Thursday: God Calls Jeremiah, Jeremiah 1:1-19
Friday: Ezekiel Sees a Vision, Ezekiel 1:1-28
Saturday: The Valley of Dry Bones, Ezekiel 37:1-14
TALK: Consider some of these ideas:
When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. Jonah 3:10
If you want a job done, don’t send Jonah. Chances are he’ll end up on a cruise heading in the opposite direction, or putting his fellow sailors in mortal peril. And when he finally (reluctantly) relents to the task at hand, he regrets his own success. Is God’s mercy great enough even for the resistant prophet?
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How does God show mercy in these readings?
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What countries or cultures do you most dislike? Why? How will you treat these neighbors knowing that God has asked you to love and serve people there?
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When have you been angry with God for being generous with a someone you felt deserved punishment? What could you do to show love, rather than anger or hatred?
