When God Gets Your Attention

St. Charles | Bob Ingle
August 23, 2026
Jonah 3:6-9

“The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” Jonah 3:6-9 (ESV)

*When God Gets Your Attention…

1. GET OFF YOUR THRONE.

“The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.” Jonah 3:6 (ESV)

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 (ESV)

You can't bow before the KING while you're still sitting on the THRONE.

2. TURN FROM YOUR SIN.

“And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.” Jonah 3:7-8 (ESV)

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV)

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” Acts 3:19 (ESV)

You cannot REPENT of sin you're still determined to PROTECT.

3. THROW YOURSELF ON HIS MERCY.

“Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” Jonah 3:7-8 (ESV)

“Return to me with all your heart…for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” Joel 2:12-13 (ESV)

God's mercy isn't something we DESERVE; it’s something we desperately NEED.