The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God's Mercy by Timothy Keller

With characteristic wisdom and logic, author Timothy Keller describes how the book of Jonah is “an ingenious and artfully crafted work of literature.”

As Keller explores the prophet’s story, he shows how Jonah’s problem is a theological one, a matter of the heart: “Jonah wants a God of his own making,” a God who will destroy the evil Ninevites and bless only the nation of Israel. When God wants to bless Nineveh through Jonah’s preaching, Keller asserts, Jonah is plagued by questions he can’t answer: “How can God be merciful and forgiving to people who have done such violence and evil? How can God be both merciful and just?” 

Keller reviews the mysteries of the Old and New Testaments as he shows how the book of Jonah points ahead to God’s saving work through Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus called himself “the ultimate Jonah.”

In timely and helpful concluding chapters, Keller spells out how readers can apply Jonah’s story to their own lives by asking, “What is our relationship to God’s Word, world, and grace?” The Prodigal Prophetcould serve as a personal devotional by reading one chapter a day or a week, or it could be used for small group study (though discussion questions are not included). (Viking)