Series: Simply Complex
Message: Complex Expectations
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Daily Walk: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Ask God for the understanding through the Holy Spirit.

Read: Jonah 1-4 (NIV). As you read the New International Version, note 1–3 insights.

Reflect: I happen to be a huge fan of the Veggie Tales animations, partly because I love the bright colors and brilliant voices, but also because I admire the attention to the complexity of the stories and the way the creators translate the themes in ways that little children can easily apply to their lives. If you have not watched any of these videos, they would be well worth your time—for your little kids and probably even for yourself! The Jonah story has received the full feature-length movie treatment addressing the complex op- portunity and expectation that grace affords us—a second chance.

Every single person on this planet—whether they believe in God or not—appreciates a second chance.
I was reminded of this deep tension recently when I sat in court to support a family whose developmentally disabled child had been physically attacked by an adult. It was the day of sentencing and the room was divided left and right. Unlike a wedding party divided by “bride’s side” and “groom’s side,” this courtroom was split between those supporting the victim and those supporting the accused. The tension was thick; no one wanted to lock eyes with anyone, boxes of tissues were passed along the rows as tears flowed on both sides. The victim’s family had to rewatch videos of their child being hit. The accused’s family had to see the same footage of their beloved wife/mother/sister/aunt attacking this defenseless victim. When the judge summarized the case and declared the sentence, the bailiffs removed the accused within minutes and every- one started left the courtroom trying to find a way forward.

This world is a mess. Both families in that courtroom are currently in pain. Both are suffering. As the judge pointed out, someone at some time decided on an arbitrary figure, an amount of prison time that seems appropriate for this particular crime. No one really understands what is fair. We take what we have and make a decision.

What would a second chance look like in this type of situation? What if it had been your child who had been beaten, causing permanent complications and emotional damage? What if you were the children or husband of the woman convicted and headed to prison? How would you forgive her? These kinds of ques- tions form the complex expectations of the Gospel. God called Jonah to go to his enemy and asked him to deliver a single strong message of hope—come home.

Recalibrate: ​​​Who do you need to forgive and who needs to forgive you?

Respond: Pray for forgiveness.

Research: Read Psalm 51 and the background story.