January 24 – In the time after Epiphany, we encounter stories of God’s people following the call to go out into the world and share God’s Word. Our lesson from the Old Testament focuses on the reluctant prophet Jonah, who initially runs away from God’s calling. God redirects his path with the help of a giant fish and Jonah’s preaching in Nineveh inspires the king, the people, and even the livestock to repent in sackcloth and ashes. God responds with mercy. Yet, Jonah struggles to accept God’s compassion on Nineveh, leading us to ask if following God’s call might involve taking God’s perspective of grace on even our enemies.
Stefan preaches on Jonah 3:1-10