Man is born with his back toward God. When he truly
repents, he turns right around and faces God.
Repentance is a change of mind. Repentance is the
tear in the eye of faith. (D.L. Moody) … More
Repentance
The Lord in His grace and mercy speaks to Jonah a second time (v. 1). Despite his previous unfaithfulness, Jonah is given a second opportunity to carry out his work for the Lord. The command given to him in (v. 2) is essentially the same as that given to him in 1:2. It reveals God’s love and concern for the heathen Ninevites and at the same time, it demonstrates God’s mercy to Jonah. This time Jonah made no attempt to avoid and disobey the will of God. In fact, there was no hesitation or reluctance on his part. He went immediately to Nineveh in obedience to the word of the Lord (v. 3). Jonah was told to preach only what God told him to preach. This is still good advice for all preachers. We live in an age in which society and social pressures tends to try to dictate to the preacher what he preaches. We are called to preach God’s message and His truth, no matter how unpopular it may be. Jonah’s message was not flowery or oratorical. It was simple and direct as he stressed the impending doom and warning of judgment (v. 4).
The people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth. Even the king took off his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes. He caused it to be proclaimed throughout Nineveh that every man and beast was to be covered with sackcloth and cry unto God. The response of the city was immediate. The young and the old, the famous and the insignificant all believed God and demonstrated their repentance with outward signs. Even the animals were dressed in sackcloth (v. 8) which shows how intense the King’s desire for total repentance was.
Some people today are upset by “hellfire and brimstone” preaching and claim that it does great harm. They say that it creates fear and feelings of guilt. It is true that this may be the product of judgment preaching, but who is to say whether this is all bad. God did not change His intentions toward the Ninevites. Rather, they changed in their attitude toward Him. As a result, God could deal with them in grace, rather than in judgment. Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:32
Application
Despite the wickedness of the Ninevites they were open to God’s message and repented. If I simply proclaim what I know about God, I may be surprised at how many people will listen and what He will do in their hearts and lives.
Jonah 3:1-10 (English Standard Version)
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The Ninevites Repent
Jonah 3:1–10
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Man is born with his back toward God. When he truly repents, he turns right around and faces God. Repentance is a change of mind. Repentance is the tear in the eye of faith. (D.L. Moody) … More
The Lord in His grace and mercy speaks to Jonah a second time (v. 1). Despite his previous unfaithfulness, Jonah is given a second opportunity to carry out his work for the Lord. The command given to him in (v. 2) is essentially the same as that given to him in 1:2. It reveals God’s love and concern for the heathen Ninevites and at the same time, it demonstrates God’s mercy to Jonah. This time Jonah made no attempt to avoid and disobey the will of God. In fact, there was no hesitation or reluctance on his part. He went immediately to Nineveh in obedience to the word of the Lord (v. 3). Jonah was told to preach only what God told him to preach. This is still good advice for all preachers. We live in an age in which society and social pressures tends to try to dictate to the preacher what he preaches. We are called to preach God’s message and His truth, no matter how unpopular it may be. Jonah’s message was not flowery or oratorical. It was simple and direct as he stressed the impending doom and warning of judgment (v. 4).
The people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth. Even the king took off his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes. He caused it to be proclaimed throughout Nineveh that every man and beast was to be covered with sackcloth and cry unto God. The response of the city was immediate. The young and the old, the famous and the insignificant all believed God and demonstrated their repentance with outward signs. Even the animals were dressed in sackcloth (v. 8) which shows how intense the King’s desire for total repentance was.
Some people today are upset by “hellfire and brimstone” preaching and claim that it does great harm. They say that it creates fear and feelings of guilt. It is true that this may be the product of judgment preaching, but who is to say whether this is all bad. God did not change His intentions toward the Ninevites. Rather, they changed in their attitude toward Him. As a result, God could deal with them in grace, rather than in judgment. Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:32
Application
Despite the wickedness of the Ninevites they were open to God’s message and repented. If I simply proclaim what I know about God, I may be surprised at how many people will listen and what He will do in their hearts and lives.
Jonah 3:1-10 (English Standard Version)
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View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »