Jonah Preaches
Jonah 3:1 “Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”
In the first chapter we looked at Jonah personally rebelling and running from God. He did not want to witness to the lost people of Nineveh, even though God had told him to go. He was prejudiced against people of a different race, color, and country. He did not like the idea of the enemy staying in power when they had been such a cruel and evil people.
Chapter 2 tells us God loved Jonah, but he needed an attitude adjustment. He cried out to God for salvation and God heard his cry; He created a huge fish to swallow him providing enough air to live for three days. Jonah prayed, rededicating of himself for the Lord’s service.
What would happen if you relooked at the needs of your hearts seeking God’s mercy in your life? What would happen if you looked at the ways God has delivered you? Where is He seeking the rededication He is looking for in your life? What does God have for you? It may be a call to witness to a co-worker, family member, loved one. It may be writing a letter of apology or thanks to someone. It may be giving to a cause of evangelism or missions. It may be teaching or working in an area of need. Is God knocking on your heart’s door?
As a prelude to revival, it is important to note that it begins with the changed servant in order to bring a light to people in darkness or in need. Revival comes in part when people face the truth of their spiritual condition. We will see that Jonah was now obedient to God but his heart was still prejudiced against the Ninevite people. He was happy to preach judgment on the people, but not the mercy of God.
I know of one lady whose husband was not a Christian. She would come to church and find her friends supporting her in her concern for her husband. She would tell of how he acted and ignored her and how he disapproved of her coming to church. She was the spiritual leader for her children.
God’s grace, one day he had a talk with their pastor and turned his life over to the Lord. Things changed dramatically for him. Surprisingly his wife was confused. She knew how to act as the “victim” of an unspiritual husband, but now he was getting the attention. He took more of the spiritual leadership in the home and frankly she resented it. It was almost like she was used to the life of feeling spiritually better but now that wasn’t the case.
Our attitude needs adjustments continually. People who are lost need to hear the good news….even our enemies. Maybe God is preparing you to be the one to tell someone you don’t particularly care for. How might your own feelings get in the way of someone else’s spiritual need for deliverance from the Lord?
Application- Is there someone who God lays upon your heart to share the Good News?
Prayer-Chorus- “Lord lay some soul upon my heart and love that soul through me. May I humbly do my part to lead that soul to Thee"
