by dale d. hastie
*Scriptures from the King James Version except where indicated
The story of Jonah is an interesting account of how God told Jonah the prophet to go to the wicked city of Nineveh, with a message. The message was that God would destroy this great city because of it’s evil. Jonah, wanted Nineveh to be destroyed with a passion. 120,000 people, destroyed because of the evil works that had been done there. But, Jonah disobeyed God and went the opposite direction…why?
Because, as I said Jonah wanted this city to be destroyed and Jonah knew that God was a merciful God. And, that it was possible that God might spare this city, if they received this message and simply had repented. In the end, that’s exactly what happened. After God caught Jonah’s attention by allowing him to be swallowed by a large fish. Jonah soon repented, went to Nineveh and gave them the message that God would destroy them within forty days. The people of that city did repent, and the bible says…
Jonah 3:10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Jonah became furious with God saying…
Jonah 4:2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
The change of heart demonstrated by these people, touched the mercy of GOD. And, being familiar with God, Jonah knew that he was merciful and compassionate. Listen as God, reasons with Jonah about why he spared them…
Jonah 4:11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?
This story speaks volumes,
1) It illustrates Gods disgust for evil and sin, and his desire to be rid of it.
2) It shows God’s patience, by allowing them a short season to repent.
3) It shows his kindness, being concerned with the fate of every soul within Nineveh (even down to the cattle).
1) It illustrates Gods disgust for evil and sin, and his desire to be rid of it.
2) It shows God’s patience, by allowing them a short season to repent.
3) It shows his kindness, being concerned with the fate of every soul within Nineveh (even down to the cattle).
In my own personal study of God’s word, I’ve noticed that whenever the judgment of God comes, his mercy is present also. As I’m searching this theory out, I’m finding that whenever his judgment is executed there is also the mercy of a loving Father too.
Take for example Adam and Eve’s sin against all mankind. After God lays down judgment…
Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
Take for example the judgment of Sodom, Abraham was able to reason with God over their impending destruction. God was willing to spare Sodom at Abraham’s request…if there had only been 10 righteous in the whole city, God would have saved the city.
Genesis 18:32 (Abraham speaking) And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.
I could go on and on. Example after example. But, his mercy and kindness should never be taken for weakness, or that he’s not going to deal with sin because he will.
But take his patience as an opportunity to get right with him (if need be).
He loves us, but he hates our sins. Repent and let the love of God fill your life.
Be Blessed, Be Encouraged-
Also, I’d be happy to stand with you in prayer regarding your needs or requests. So, send your requests to the same address-THE WATCHMAN
(Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: Luke 12:37)
(Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: Luke 12:37)
December 12, 2009 at 4:15 pm |
Cool affair, didn’t thought this would be so interesting when I klicked at your link.
December 13, 2009 at 3:10 am |
Thanks for stopping by. Come often. The site is updated daily to help in everyone’s life and to give encouragement and information as it comes. Please, tell others we’re here. God Bless, and thanks again. Dale D. Hastie-