Psalm 51; Jonah 3:1–10; Romans 1:1–7
Thursday, February 19
I posted an overview of Union Gospel Mission’s 2026 Lent Devotional February 4 and will post several more pieces during over the next month-and-a-half.
This week’s entry is by Daniel So, Founding and Lead Pastor of One Hope Community Church in Maple Ridge.
Despite Jonah’s stubbornness and unwillingness, God gave him a second chance to fulfill his calling – to go and preach God’s message to Nineveh (Jonah 3:2). The Ninevites heard, and they all repented, even the king (v. 5–9).
Jonah’s response reveals what often lies in our own hearts. His obedience was not wholehearted, for he preached only one day in a city that required three to walk through (3:3).
When God forgave Nineveh, Jonah was deeply displeased (see Jonah 4). Like Jonah, we can be reluctant to give God full obedience, preferring to do things on our own terms.
But obedience on our terms is not obedience at all.
In what ways is God asking you to obey Him this Lent season?
God’s response, in contrast, reveals His heart. Though Jonah’s obedience was half-hearted, God saw the Ninevites’ repentance and withheld judgment (v. 10). That is God’s heart: not only loving us, but also loving those we might consider our ‘enemies.’
Living in a pluralistic, multicultural society, it is easy to fall into an ‘us-versus-them’ mindset. We may disagree with others, even dislike how they act and feel, yet God declares that He loves them just as much.
Who is your ‘Ninevite?’
Daniel So
Jonah’s heart stands in contrast to the heart of Jesus, whose obedience was perfect and beautiful. Paul reminds us in Philippians that Christ, though equal with God, made Himself nothing, took on our humanity, and “became obedient to death – even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:1–11 NIV 84).
More than our obedience, Lent ultimately calls us to gaze upon Christ’s perfect obedience, through which we were saved.
What is it about Jesus’s obedience that touches your heart?
Heavenly Father, forgive us for the Jonah-like heart we often carry. Show us who it is that You are calling us to share the good news of the gospel with. Thank You, Jesus, for Your willing obedience – even to the point of death. We praise You and love You. In Jesus’s name, amen.
A Korean version of this comment is also included in the UGM 2026 Lent Devotional, which can be read here.