The work of a prophet is never easy. Sometimes people heed their warnings, but often they are rejected and persecuted. Jonah is an exception: the hated enemies of the Israelites actually repent when they hear his warning and avoid the disaster that is headed their way. Later on in the story we see that Jonah is angry and disgusted that they repented and won God's mercy. He hated them and wanted their destruction! The story tells us not that God punishes. God doesn't need to for we punish ourselves. It insists that we are free - nothing is written in stone. If we change our minds and hearts and walk in God's ways it is never too late to change our future. And that applies to everyone, even those we consider wicked and beyond hope. We are so lucky - God is not like us at all. God is impartial and merciful towards everyone.

Luke saw Jesus as a latter-day Jonah trying to warn and save people from an impending disaster. Jesus was not as successful as Jonah - although many welcomed his words and teachings, there were also many who rejected them. Both Jonah and Jesus were challenges sent from God and their message was meant for everyone. And that is the message: all who allow God's words to touch their hearts are welcome in God's Kingdom. There are many ways in which we are challenged today: the economy, political decisions, church life, the environment, as well as war and peace.