First Lesson: Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Theme: The universality of God’s mercy

Exegetical note
After some initial reluctance, and a legendary bout with the digestive system of a large fish, Jonah accedes to the will of God and delivers God’s word of warning to the Gentile city of Nineveh, which promptly repents and believes in God, who in turn mercifully forestalls the threatened judgment. The entire story shows that God’s mercy extends well beyond the boundaries of Israel.

Call to Worship
Leader: Give thanks, people! For our God’s mercy is boundless!
People: IT EXTENDS TO ALL WHO REPENT AND TURN TO GOD IN FAITH.
Leader: Even as in the days of Jonah, God withheld judgment and destruction from a repentant Gentile city called Nineveh,
People: SO TODAY WILL GOD FORGIVE OUR CITY, OUR COUNTRY, AND ALL…