For the month of August we are looking at the book of Jonah. Today we will study Jonah 3.
Read: Jonah 3
Jonah finally brings his message to Nineveh. And even though you weren’t around to hear it, you’ve seen Jonah’s style of work. You’ve seen it on an angry picketer’s flimsy cardboard sign: “Repent or perish!” You’ve seen it along the highway, stretched anonymously over an advertising billboard: “Avoid hell, trust Jesus!”
Jonah was that guy. His half-hearted message to the people of Nineveh had about as much love in it as a pitbull has for a squirrel. And yet, after only one day of listening to one of the worst sermons ever preached, the entire city of Nineveh was unbelievably transformed. The people believed God and repented, even the king.
The only thing Jonah had going for him in his “service” to the Lord was obedience. His response-time was slow. His attitude was bad. His delivery was uncaring. Yet despite Jonah’s approach, the Holy Spirit moved in the hearts of the people and God showed incredible mercy.
Fifth lesson of Jonah: God can use even the most half-hearted service.
Sixth lesson of Jonah: God is merciful (to the Ninevites, to Jonah, and to us).
Dear God, I am embarrassed of my mediocre service to You. Help me to learn Your heart. Make me quick to obey. Give me love for Your people. Change my attitude to be more like Yours. And thank you so much for including me in Your work. Amen.
Further readings: Matthew 9:10-13; Micah 6:6-8; Psalm 85
Leave a comment