Mercy

Text: Jonah 4:1-4 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

Scripture Reading: 

God’s Mercy Makes Jonah Angry

4 But Jonah was very unhappy that God did not destroy the city. He was angry. 2 He complained to the Lord and said, “I knew this would happen. I knew it when I was still in my own country. It is why I quickly ran away to Tarshish. I knew that you are a God who is kind and shows mercy. You don’t become angry quickly. You have great love. I knew you would rather forgive than punish them. 3 So now I ask you, Lord, please kill me. It is better for me to die than to live.”

4 Then the Lord said, “Do you think it is right for you to be angry?”

Reflection: Mercy is a crazy thing! Jonah gets mad when God shows mercy on the people of Nineveh instead of crushing them and making them pay for all of the messed up things they had done. Have you ever been like Jonah and been upset when someone receives mercy instead of what you think they might deserve? Have you ever been on the receiving end of mercy that you didn’t deserve?

Prayer: Hi God! Thank you for your undeserving mercy and forgiveness! Amen.

Focus for the Day: Mercy

Author: Rachel Dudley, Director of Children’s Ministry