We are all familiar with the story of Jonah and how he
became what we like to term, ‘The Reluctant Prophet.’ In chapter 1 we read, “Now the word of the
Lord came to Jonah.” This phrase is the
opening of the story. God had a message
for Nineveh and Jonah was the prophet he selected to deliver that message.
But Jonah ran away from the task and God had to capture his
attention through the storm at sea and then the adventure in the belly of a
great fish. Jonah comes to his senses and cries out to God while in the belly
of the fish (see chapter 2). The first
vomits Jonah out onto dry land.
Now for chapter 3. It
starts out with, “Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second
time.” What I find most interesting is
that God allows Jonah a second chance. God extends mercy to Jonah, not just for
Jonah’s sake but also for the sake of all the people of Nineveh.
Jonah takes heed of the word of the Lord this time and goes
to Nineveh. Now, granted, he still
didn’t have the best of attitudes, but he did go. The result, much to Jonah’s
surprise, is that the whole city of Nineveh repents and turns from their evil
ways.
So, why am I intrigued by this aspect of the story?
1.
God will go to great lengths to have His message
delivered to a sinful people
2.
God gives mercy to Jonah and spares his life and
gives him a second chance. How often have you needed a second chance with God?
3.
God knows our hearts, but still He desires to
allow us to be his spokesperson.
4.
God is the God of judgment as well as the God of
mercy. All we have to do is repent (like
Jonah did in the fish) and God will be quick to hear and respond.
In our culture today people are sinners and need to hear the
word of God. Our cities are no better
than that of Nineveh. How it must break
God’s heart to see us act the way we do. Our sin and corruption know no bounds.
BUT, God is merciful and willing to receive us back into His
fellowship if we will just repent. So, how do we get people, to repent? Well, we don’t, God does. It is God’s work to
bring sinful people to a point of brokenness and repentance.
BUT, God needs helpers.
He needs people to be his voice. Jesus told the disciples that the
harvest was plentiful, but the workers were few. Then the apostle Paul gave us
this question to ponder in Romans 10:14-17;
14 How then will they call on him in whom
they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have
never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they
are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the
good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel.
For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing
through the word of Christ. [1]
So, the question is, do you need a second chance to share
the Gospel with someone? Do you need God’s mercy in your life because you have
not followed Him? Are you willing to confess your sins and turn from your evil
ways and go where God directs you?
Let me know your answers to those questions.
God bless.
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version.
(2001). (Ro 10:14–17). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
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