On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
The town of Nineveh was given a classic 'do-over'. Once Jonah decided to obey God, and go to Nineveh, the people heard the truth and their eyes were opened. It seems that even with Jonah's bad attitude, God was able to use him. God had a plan for the great city and he had a plan for Jonah.
I am humbled to think how often God has to work around my insubordination to get His work done here on earth. How often has my own opinions become stumbling blocks for another's salvation? Had Jonah not finally obeyed and gone to Nineveh I wonder what impact would be felt the world over. What if they did not repent and change.
That was all it took for the people to pay attention. Despite their wickedness they were open to God's message and repented immediately. Jonah, the reluctant messenger, did what God commanded and an entire city listened.
Had Jonah not finally obeyed God, the entire city would have been destroyed. The ripple effect this would have on the world, we cannot begin to be estimate. What is the message here? Is there an example we are to follow or a lesson to be learned from Jonah?
Yes, we have a message of hope to share with the world, beginning with our neighbor or co-worker or family member. He are commissioned to share Jesus' story. Are we going to spend time in the belly of a whale first?
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