Mercy for Others | Jonah 4:1–11 | Dwell in the Word
Mark Groen Mark Groen

Mercy for Others | Jonah 4:1–11 | Dwell in the Word

Despite Jonah's obedience in going to Nineveh, his heart remained hardened toward the people he preached to. Jonah 4 offers a revealing glimpse into the prophet’s inner struggle with God's mercy. Instead of rejoicing in Nineveh's repentance, Jonah is angry—so angry he wishes to die. But God, in his patient compassion, teaches Jonah (and us) a lesson through a withering plant and a question that still echoes: “Should I not pity Nineveh?”

This passage invites us to reflect deeply on our own hearts. Do we truly desire mercy for the lost—even those who seem far from God or different from us? Or are we more like Jonah, clinging to our own ideas of who deserves grace? As we dwell in this final chapter, may we grow in gratitude for God’s mercy to us and cultivate a heart that longs to see others come to repentance and life.

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When a City Believes | Jonah 3:1–10 | Dwell in the Word
Mark Groen Mark Groen

When a City Believes | Jonah 3:1–10 | Dwell in the Word

God sent Jonah to Nineveh with a message of judgment—but what unfolded was nothing short of miraculous. In this chapter, we witness an entire city, from the least to the greatest, humbling themselves in repentance. The people of Nineveh didn’t argue or delay—they believed God, turned from their evil ways, and hoped for mercy. Their response stands in stark contrast to Jonah’s reluctant obedience and reveals the transforming power of God's Word.

As we reflect on Jonah 3, we’re challenged to examine our own hearts. Do we respond to God’s Word with humility and faith? Like the people of Nineveh, we are called to turn from sin and trust in the mercy of the Lord.

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Salvation Belongs to the Lord | Jonah 2:1–10 | Dwell in the Word
Mark Groen Mark Groen

Salvation Belongs to the Lord | Jonah 2:1–10 | Dwell in the Word

From the depths of the sea—and the depths of despair—Jonah lifts a prayer that reveals the heart of the Gospel: salvation belongs to the Lord. As we dwell in Jonah 2, we find ourselves drawn into his descent, not only into the belly of the fish but into the spiritual realization that only God can rescue.

Jonah’s prayer paints a vivid picture of what it means to be brought low—and then lifted up by grace. His journey reminds us that God hears us even when we feel far gone and that He alone can save. In a world filled with noise, false hope, and self-reliance, Jonah’s voice from the deep calls us to remember the one true source of deliverance.

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Running from God | Jonah 1:1–17 | Dwell in the Word
Mark Groen Mark Groen

Running from God | Jonah 1:1–17 | Dwell in the Word

When God speaks, we often imagine ourselves responding with bold obedience—but Jonah’s story reminds us that even prophets can run. In this first episode of our Dwell in the Word series on Jonah, we meet the reluctant prophet as he flees the call of God. But God’s purposes won’t be thwarted. In the storm and the sea, in the hearts of pagan sailors, and even in the belly of a fish, we see God’s mercy and power at work.

As we reflect on this passage, we’re reminded that we cannot flee from God's presence. Rather than resisting His will, we’re called to trust and submit—knowing that His ways are perfect and His purposes will prevail. Watch, listen, and dwell in Jonah’s story to be challenged and encouraged in your walk of faith.

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