Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s journey. And he cried, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”- Jonah 3:4
What an unappealing message! Jonah simply pronounces judgment, with no hope for repentance. We can imagine his proclamation was fairly halfhearted. After all, when he heard the calling of God to go preach to the Ninevites he ran away. He preached, this time, somewhat under the gun. Who knows, there might be worse in store for him than a fish’s belly if he ran away again.
But against all expectation, and all sense, it only takes one day of hearing this message for all of Nineveh to declare a fast, repent, and turn to God. Despite Jonah’s half hearted preaching, despite Jonah leaving out the possibility of repentance. The Ninevites are cut to the bone, and by the grace of God they turn to God.
As we later learn, it was for this reason that Jonah had fled in the first place. He was not afraid of the Ninevites. A prophet of God, afraid of death? No, he was afraid of God’s mercy! “I pray thee, LORD, is this not what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that thou art a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and repentest of evil.” (Jonah 4:2) That is, ultimately, why his preaching didn’t include the message of mercy. He wanted the Ninevites to die. He loathed his enemies. And knew that God did not share his own hatred, but instead forgave those who repent.
But God’s word is stronger than the messenger, and God’s mercy is mightier than human hatred. Despite Jonah’s best intentions, he was heard. His fears realized. God saved even his enemies.
The book ends with God giving Jonah a lesson in love. But we might find a different lesson here as well. We can be reminded of the grace of God that supersedes our own abilities. When God calls us, God is present. Even where we fail, God can bring about his purpose. Even when we actively sabotage God’s mission, God is strong enough to overcome that. So in following God we need not fear failure, but simply must embrace faithfulness.
But secondly, we see God’s earnest desire for reconciliation. God’s word brings about repentance and reconciliation even where and when reconciliation is not wanted. We might find hope here as well.