In this first lesson in the prophet Micah we pay attention to the fact that the main point of the writing is rooted in the meaning of the prophet's name.  'Micah' (short for 'Micaiah') means 'Who is like Yahweh?'  Writing at a time when the northern kingdom of Israel was about to be taken into exile by Assyria and when the southern kingdom of Judah was under similar pressures, Micah writes to remind the people about who their God really is!  We survey the whole book in today's lesson looking for words that describe God.  We discover Him as a God who: •SPEAKS – 1:1-2 •COMES –1:3-5; 2:3 •JUDGES WITH JUSTICE – 4:2-3 •REDEEMS – 4:6, 10 •RULES – 4:7 •STRENGTHENS  the Shepherd – 5:4 •SHOWS – 6:8 •BRINGS US INTO LIGHT – 7:8,9 •HEARS – 7:7 PARDONS, FORGIVES; DOESN’T REMAIN ANGRY; DELIGHTS TO SHOW MERCY AND COMPASSION; REMOVES SIN; SHOWS FAITHFUL COVENANT LOVE- 7:18-20.  Let us pay attention to our God and respond to him with worship and obedience!
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In the final scene of this compelling drama the main point of the whole story emerges clearly:  God is merciful by nature and has every right to show mercy to all nations and peoples and we (like Jonah) have no right to think that some are less deserving than others of this mercy.  In their final interaction together we find God drawing Jonah's attitude to the surface.  We discover a deeply held attitude of selfishness and entitlement in the heart of Jonah.  The challenge to us readers is to be reminded that ALL people are only 1 step away from the mercy of God.  There is no room for prejudice.  We ought to ensure that we ourselves have truly received God's mercy and forgiveness and if so, then we are called to be messengers of a) coming judgement and b) the free offer of God's mercy to ALL who respond to Him!  May we become faithful messengers!
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Jonah is given a 2nd chance!  Following the dramatic rescue from the sea, God calls him once again to go and preach judgment to Nineveh because of their wickedness.  Jonah obeys and the people respond with a sincere belief in God!  The king issues a decree that all people should urgently call on God and turn from their wickedness.  In response, God relents and does not send calamity - He is, in fact, a God who is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love (mercy). We respond to this story by reminding ourselves that just as Nineveh was under that sentence of judgment because of its wickedness, so also our world is under judgment.  2 Peter 3 helps us gain perspective and so we respond by 1) believing God and receiving His mercy; 2) repenting from evil and pursuing holiness; 3) being faithful messengers to a world that is under this sentence of judgment. 
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Sadly, due to technical difficulties, we have NO audio recording for the sermon today!  In lieu of that, here is the outline of the message:

Jonah: A Story of God’s Persistent and Generous Mercy

THE PERSISTENT AND GENEROUS MERCY OF GOD MADE HIM NOT GIVE UP ON JONAH.

·       God could have done it all alone.

·       God could have given up and raised up another prophet.

 THE PERSISTENT AND GENEROUS MERCY OF GOD LED HIM TO USE ALL MEANS TO BRING JONAH’S ATTENTION BACK.

·       God used the storm

·       God used the sailors

·       God used the big fish

 THE PERSISTENT AND GENEROUS MERCY OF GOD MADE HIM GIVE A SECOND CHANCE TO JONAH

·       God listened to Jonah’s prayer

·       God forgave Jonah

·       God restored Jonah

 The story of Jonah and God it is a great portrait of our story with God.

·       God never will give up on you because of his persistent and gracious mercy.

·       God will use all means to bring your attention to him, because of his persistent and gracious mercy.

·       God is ready to receive you and give a second chance, because of his persistent and gracious mercy.