Pastor Marshall ochs | May 4, 2025
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Jonah 3-4. Although Jonah obeyed God's command to preach in Nineveh, his heart remained hardened. God's mercy on Nineveh contrasts sharply with Jonah’s lack of mercy, challenging believers to reflect on their willingness to forgive and extend grace. Ultimately, the book ends by turning the focus toward the reader, urging us to examine our hearts and how we treat others, especially those outside the faith.
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As we study Jonah 3-4, we see a story that challenges our understanding of obedience, mercy, and the heart of God. Chapters 1 and 2 give us the backdrop: Jonah ran. But in chapter 3, God speaks again—“Arise, go to Nineveh.” Same instruction. Same calling. Jonah’s heart may not have changed, but his actions did. That’s something we can all relate to. Sometimes, we’re not feeling it… But, obedience isn’t based on how we feel.
Jonah didn’t want to go. But he went. And in just one day, the entire city began to repent—one day. The lost are hungry for God. The people of Nineveh responded faster than Jonah did. The sailors on the ship turned to God even before Jonah repented. What if the people we think are the farthest from God are actually the hungriest for Him?
In Jonah 3:6, even the king of Nineveh removed his royal robe, put on sackcloth, and called for a citywide fast. No food. No water. Complete discomfort. This wasn’t surface-level repentance—this was a heart-level, cultural shift. And God relented. It's a reminder for us: Is there someone in our lives—an enemy, a coworker, or a neighbor—who we assume is unreachable? We ought to consider how much we underestimate the work God can do in their hearts.
The king's removal of his robe, putting on sackcloth, and calling for a fast illustrates the severity and sincerity of repentance.
As we continue to chapter 4, we see Jonah's anger at God's mercy. He valued a mere plant more than human lives. This serves as an important question for us: Do we sometimes hold more compassion for our comforts than for the people around us? When we raise our hands in worship on Sunday, but does our behavior during the week reflect that same heart?
Who are the ‘Ninevehs’ in our lives? Who do we struggle to forgive or reach out to?
As believers, we are called to examine our hearts and our actions. God desires justice and mercy. He asks us to forgive as we have been forgiven. Are we walking in obedience and extending God’s mercy to others?
Reflection Questions:
Who is your Nineveh? Who have you written off or decided isn’t worth the grace of God?
Where are you walking in obedience without allowing God to soften your heart? Are you just going through the motions, or letting Him transform you?
Are the lost hungrier for God than you are right now? What might that say about your own posture before Him?
Do your weekday actions reflect your Sunday worship? Is there alignment between what you profess and how you live and treat others?
How well are you stewarding your relationships? How do you treat your spouse, your kids, your co-workers, and strangers?