Jonah Part 3

"So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the Word of the LORD."  

                                                                 Jonah 3:3. NKJV 

God called Jonah again and, this time Jonah obeyed. It would be easy to say, 'If he had gone the first time, all of this time wouldn't have been wasted'. This is true, however, the sailors would not have been saved. So, from one point of view, Jonah's refusal to go to Nineveh, was used to God's glory. Had Jonah learned his lesson? He chose to go this time so, it's possible that his thinking was a little more positive. But, there were still some deep-rooted problems within Jonah's life that needed attention and they would soon re-surface after the Nineveh trip.

When God calls you to service, He is not going to change, you must. He has nothing to change because, 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever' (Heb 13:8). There are things that you will need to alter in your life so that the Holy Spirit has a clear channel to flow through. Therefore, it is best to get these things sorted right from the start. If Jonah had spoken with the LORD about his feelings towards Nineveh, God may have helped him to have a better understanding of love and forgiveness, Sadly, he didn't and internalised his bad feelings.

The typical hallmark of an evangelist came through when Jonah cried out, 'Yet, forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown' v3:4. With power like dynamite, this statement put the fear of God into the whole city. There was panic all around and the king declared a fast on the whole city with people in sackcloth and ashes calling on Almighty God. The king's words were, 'Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish' v3:9. God did relent and gave them a second chance and lived up to His Word 'For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved' (Joel 2:32 & Rom 10:13).

There were two parts to Jonah's word that day (1) Nineveh would be judged for its sin. 

(2) The people had forty days to fix the problem. God was offering grace and would not bring this judgement if they would repent. This is how God works with us too. There is still sin in our lives but, as we work towards changing this, He meets us halfway and helps us. If there is one flicker of repentance within someone, God will offer them another chance. Let us be so grateful that He is so loving and gracious towards us.

As we've seen. God never changes but, He can adjust to the changes that we make until we are walking in His steps. He gave grace to the sailors; grace to Jonah and grace to some of the wickedest people on the planet - Nineveh. We may give up on some people we have been ministering to but, God never gives up!

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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