Relentless Love: Reflections on the Book of JonahSample

Even the Wind and the Waves Obey Him

Jonah ran from God’s call to preach repentance to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, which was Israel’s greatest enemy, known in the 8th century B.C. for their brutal military practices. Yet God’s mercy is relentless. He doesn’t abandon Jonah or the Ninevites. When he sends a storm to the ship Jonah is fleeing on, it is not to destroy but to awaken. Even the pagan sailors, terrified and confused, respond with awe while Jonah, asleep below deck, resists the truth he claims to believe.

In the ancient world, the sea was often seen as a symbol of chaos. Fleeing “the God of heaven, who made the sea and dry land” (Jonah 1:9) by sea would have seemed absurd to sailors who believed in many gods. Despite Jonah’s flaws, his story reveals God’s desire to bring all people into right relationship with himself, others, and creation. Jesus tells us that Jonah’s story points to him, and through Christ, reconciliation becomes possible.

At Eugene Peterson’s funeral, his son shared his father’s one core sermon: “God loves you. He’s on your side. He’s coming after you. He’s relentless.” God pursues us not in anger but in love—and calls us to extend that love, even to our enemies.

God lovingly pursued Jonah through the wind and waves. Anne Lamott calls God the “alley cat of heaven,” always returning, gently persistent.

Response Questions

1. Have you ever felt God pursuing you?
2. Who were the violent outcasts Jesus reached out to in the Gospels?
3. Who did you avoid growing up, and could you now share Jesus with them?

Prayer

Lord of Jonah, thank you for pursuing us with love. Help us embrace your call to pursue others with your love and grace. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, amen.

Reach Your Neighbor

Pray and ask God to reveal any hidden biases in you. Confess, repent, and pray with humility—no one is beyond God’s grace.