The word of the Lord comes to Jonah a second time. God has not discarded his disobedient prophet or changed the assignment. Jonah goes to Nineveh and delivers the warning God gave him.
His short message spreads through the city. The people believe God, fast, and put on sackcloth. Eventually the news reaches the king. He leaves his throne and calls the Ninevites to abandon their violence and cry out for mercy.
Their response helps us understand repentance. Repentance changes what we believe, what we love, and what we do. Sometimes obedience begins while our feelings are still catching up. Jonah does not yet share God’s compassion for Nineveh, but he takes the next faithful step and walks into the city.
God uses that imperfect obedience. Jonah does not need to manage the response or find impressive words. He delivers God’s message, and the people believe God. Christians have the same freedom when speaking about Jesus with neighbours, coworkers, friends, and family.
Nineveh hoped God might relent. In Jesus, we have seen the full measure of God’s mercy. The greater Jonah came into the world, died in the place of condemned sinners, and rose again. Everyone who repents and believes in him is forgiven and welcomed into God’s family.