The Heart Check

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

March 1st Sermon, Day 4

Jonah finally obeyed God and preached to Nineveh, but his heart wasn't in it. His message was brief and blunt, and when the entire city repented and God showed mercy, Jonah became furious. He admitted something shocking: he knew God would be merciful to his enemies, and that's exactly what he didn't want. Jonah wanted grace for himself but justice for everyone else.

This reveals a dangerous tendency in all of us - we want God to use an eraser on our sins but permanent marker on everyone else's. We're quick to explain away our own mistakes while being harsh judges of others. When we mess up, it's an accident or a moment of weakness. When others mess up, we question their character.

Jonah's anger at God's mercy exposes the condition of his heart, and it challenges us to examine our own. Do we celebrate when God shows grace to people we don't like? Do we rejoice when our enemies receive second chances? The mercy we've received from God should soften our hearts toward others, not harden them. True understanding of God's grace transforms us from judges into grace-givers.

Bible Verse

'The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."' - Jonah 1:1-2

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life do you find yourself wanting grace for yourself but justice for others?

Quote

Jonah confesses that what he wanted was grace for himself, but justice for other people. Jonah wanted God to use an eraser on his sins, but underline in permanent marker the sins of everybody else.

Prayer

Lord, examine my heart and reveal where I've been selective with grace. Help me to extend the same mercy to others that You've shown to me.