The Power of God’s Word
Jonah 3:1-10
We have been working through the story of Jonah over the past few weeks. Last week, we ended with Jonah being vomited out onto dry land — a perfect place to pause before Sunday lunch. This marks the completion of the first scene of the story. As we head into the second scene, it’s important to note that each scene focuses on: God’s Word, God’s World, and God’s Grace. So, let’s dive into the second scene.
II. The Second Commission (3:1-4:11)
A. Divine Call (3:1-2)
Jonah 3:1-2
“Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.’”
This is the second time God instructed Jonah to go to Nineveh. This time, the command is shorter, essentially saying, “Go!” Jonah already knew what he was supposed to do. God could have simply said, “Go!” after Jonah’s initial disobedience.
God’s call to us to witness to the world is often just as straightforward. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
With these words, Jesus launched His disciples into the world-changing movement of the Church. The Word of God is powerful when we simply follow it. The disciples obeyed, and now even the calendar is based on the life of Jesus. Jonah obeyed too, and now we see the results.
B. Obedience of Jonah (3:3-4)
Jonah 3:3-4
“Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, ‘Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.’”
In chapter 1, when Jonah received God’s command to go to Nineveh, his response was to run away. But here, in a step forward, Jonah obeys. His obedience, though reluctant, reflects a shift in his heart.
Abraham, a great model of faith, demonstrated obedience every time God asked him to do something, even when the reasoning wasn’t clear. Jonah, like Abraham, took the next step of obedience, even though his message was shockingly brief:
“Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.”
Eight words. Jonah’s eight-word message, when delivered with God’s power, changed everything. God’s Word is powerful, no matter how short the message may seem.
C. Results of Obedience (3:5-10)
Jonah 3:5-10
“The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat down in the dust. He issued a proclamation:
‘Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.’
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.”
The Ninevites believed God. They accepted the truth of Jonah’s message. The king’s immediate response was to lead the city in repentance. The people fasted, wore sackcloth, and turned from their wickedness. Their repentance was genuine, and God responded with mercy.
Historians note that during this period, Assyria had suffered from famines, plagues, and revolts. The Ninevites recognized these as signs of impending judgment, which may have made them more receptive to Jonah’s warning.
Repentance is always a work of God. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:25-26:
“Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
As a result of their repentance, God spared the city of Nineveh. The message of justice and repentance is clear: both are integral to God’s purpose. God’s call for justice, seen throughout Scripture, is emphasized in His mission to Nineveh.
We are also called to share God’s blessings and work for justice. Just as God’s Word has the power to change hearts and lives, so too can our words — when we follow His command to share the Gospel. As God told Abraham in Genesis 12:3:
“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
We, too, are blessed to share that blessing. We do this by starting with prayer, listening, eating, serving, and sharing — and yes, “now go!”
The most loving thing we can do is see someone reconciled to God. The more we love our neighbors, the stronger our society becomes.
Discussion Questions for Coffee:
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How can we be more obedient to God’s Word in our daily lives, even when the task feels daunting or unclear?
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Jonah’s message to Nineveh was only eight words long, yet it brought about powerful change. What does this say about the power of God’s Word, even in simple forms?
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The Ninevites repented immediately when they heard God’s warning. How do we see repentance manifesting in today’s world?
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How can we integrate justice into our Christian witness, both personally and as a community?
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What steps can we take to share the Gospel in ways that reflect the love and justice of God, as Jonah’s mission did?