Kootenai Church: The Book of Jonah

Jonah: God’s Compassion For The Nations
The book of Jonah dramatically illustrates God's boundless mercy and concern for all people. It begins with God calling Jonah to prophesy to Nineveh, the capital of Israel's enemy, Assyria. Jonah's reluctance and attempt to flee God's presence leads to his famous encounter with the great fish.

After his miraculous deliverance, Jonah obeys and preaches to Nineveh, resulting in the city's repentance and God's compassion. The narrative concludes with God gently rebuking Jonah's anger at Nineveh's salvation, using the object lesson of a plant to teach about divine mercy.

This short but powerful book challenges narrow nationalism and religious exclusivism, revealing God's heart for all nations. It emphasizes themes of divine sovereignty, the futility of running from God's call, the power of repentance, and ultimately, the surprising scope of God's compassion that extends even to Israel's enemies.

This series of messages is a verse-by-verse exposition of the book of Jonah by Jim Osman, a pastor at Kootenai Community Church. It was preached during our Sunday Morning Worship Service. Click here for more teaching by Jim Osman.