Jonah's Success

“And he prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.” Jonah 4:2 ESV

Jonah’s success to see an entire city turn to the Lord through his preaching was also his disappointment. He would have rather seen Nineveh destroyed than shown God’s mercy. Jonah’s initial unwillingness to obey God was based on personal bias and prejudice toward the people of Nineveh. They were known as a treacherous people who were despised by the Jews. The book of Jonah reveals the love of God for a people hated and despised who encountered God’s mercy through repentance. Jonah was not different in his opinion towards the Ninevites among other Israelites. It would seem easy to justify hatred toward Nineveh which was the enemy of Israel. The sign and wonder of the great fish experience actually gave Jonah’s message a greater impact resulting in a powerful revival in the city. 

TODAY’S PRAYER 

Heavenly Father, help us to see people as you see them and love them as you love them. Give us a revelation that you don’t desire for any to perish but that all should come to know you. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 ESV.

God Bless,

Pastor Matt