Lessons about God from a Jonah Bible Study
There was a question that I wrestled with for about three years. God is sovereign, we know that, but does he change his mind? In Jonah 3:10 it says, "When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which he declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it."
The study by Priscilla Shirer, "Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted" brought in examples of a sinful people or person praying and changing the course of actioned planned. In Jonah 3:9, the King prompted his people to turn from their wickedness and fast and he said, "Who Knows?, God may turn and relent and withdraw his burning anger so that we will not perish"
In 2 Samuel 12:22, King David answered his servants by saying, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live."
And again in Joel 2:13-14," Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God., for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. "Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing--grain offering and drink offerings for the Lord your God."
Shirer writes, "None of these people pretended to be able to control or manipulate God and yet they rested in the knowledge of God's merciful tendencies and hoped in Him. They believed God was powerful enough and sovereign enough to steer their circumstances however He wished."
The bottom line is that God truly cares about the hearts of His people and he wants their obedience. He wants to give good things. This really is a message of Hope.
I just thought I would share a little of the my Bible study message. I hope it has blessed you like it blessed me.
Blessings,
Holly Broden
Mentor Mom
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