Questions Jonah’s Heart.
Jonah 4: 10 & 11
But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"
We might think this book is a story about Jonah and the fish, or about Jonah’s rebellion, or about Nineveh’s repentance. I would suggest the story of Jonah is about the very heart of God. He questions Jonah’s heart.
Jonah builds a little shelter for himself. He is depressed and separating himself from the world. He wants to be with his own kind and with people who think and act like himself. Things didn’t go his way.
I am sorry to say I’ve heard that among many church people. Some won’t even come to church anymore because they didn’t get their way. Get over any hurt feelings; there are lost people who need the Lord. The commitment to God is also commitment to others both in and out of the church.
A growing number of people prefer personal reading, worship, and Christian media involvement, but not with one another. I think part of that is the influence of internet, social networks, cell phones, i-pads, and so forth. Our Lord calls for greater commitment.
We seek hearts committed to God and one another. Can you commit to the Word of God? We need folks discipling others and training others in sound doctrine. The Bible is about Him. It is God’s revelation of Himself to us in many ways.
Second, can you commit to the Worship of God, which is more than a personal experience or even a personal preference? It involves corporate celebration of who God is and what He is doing. It’s all about Him.
Thirdly, can you commit to the Witness of God? People need the Lord for salvation and to grow in love and righteousness. This is a wonderful story of how God loves the world - He gave His Son to redeem us.
Fourthly, can you commit to the Work of God by using our gifts and talents together in obedience to God/ Serving Him is one of the greatest ways to grow in faith and love.
Jonah had to learn obedience, but that still did not change his heart. He needed to love God more and love others in the fellowship. Christianity was designed for community involvement. Jonah needed a compassionate heart toward others and God.
God asks the question. “Should not I pity Nineveh that great city in which there are more than 120,000 people?”
The Lord sees the prophet concerned about a plant. What about all the children of Nineveh that have not even knowledge of their right hand and left hands? He needed a heart change.
The book of Jonah has a message that is loud and clear about God, namely, His mercy is not confined to Israel but extends to any people who will trust him and repent of their sin. What saves is not our nationality but faith. That's a great gospel message coming out of the Old Testament. The main point is, "You be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful."
Application- Which of the above commitments do you see you need to adopt?
Prayer- Lord, change my heart to see you more clearly and obey your will.
