SCRIPTURE: Jonah 3:1-10
OBSERVATION:
God gives Jonah a 2nd chance.
Jonah is a nobody from nowhere, in contrast to this big city – why would anyone listen to him?
The whole city responds (amazing), God anoints his message, their hearts were prepared.
This is a story of repentance and mercy, even for cruel, wicked oppressors – if they repent.
Even though they repented under pressure (repent or perish, turn or burn), God accepts their their repentance as sincere.
God accepts crisis conversions!
APPLICATION:
Even though I have run away from God’s will, and have repented after the fact, God still accepts my multiple confessions – 70×7!
Its not up to us to change peoples’ hearts, even though this was an impossible ministry assignment, God prepared the way.
We should not decide in advance whether someone will accept or reject our message, leave the results to God!
If He calls me to speak, He will use me!
God’s plan is for more than just a few, His goal is to save the world – for God so loved the world!
PRAYER:
Lord, You have called me to speak for You, with no guarantees on how people will respond. Help me to trust You, to know that You will use my fumbling words to have an impact. Thank You for forgiving me and trusting me to speak for You. Amen!