Today’s Reading, Jonah 1-4
Focal Scripture: Jonah 3:4 “Jonah set out on the first day of his walk in the city and proclaimed, “In forty days Nineveh will be demolished!”
What we want to say is not more important than what God wants us to say when we are talking with others. The story of Jonah is full of many truths. The biggest one is that God will use an imperfect person to share his message with a dying world. Jonah was a man who did not want to go where God wanted him to travel. He was also a man who did what was needed but was not obedient because of his heart towards the people.
In today’s reading we see Jonah walking around the city. He is about to proclaim the message that God gave him to the city of Nineveh. This message was only seven words. It declared the city was about to be destroyed. This simple message resulted in the entire city turning from their sin and doing what right. The shortest message ever preached reached more people than any other message.
This tells us a few important truths. First, Gods word is what does the work in a persons life. His word is so powerful that even words of destruction can turn a city into worshippers. It was not the eloquence of the preacher or the heart behind the prophet Jonah, either. He was actually upset that the Lord saved the city. Second, the message was not good on many levels. It was short and only discussed judgement. It was also a message that was probably half hearted or said with a sense of happiness because of how Jonah felt about the people.
No matter what his intention was concerning the message God turned around and used it for his purpose. This truth should give us much comfort as believers. It means that even if we mess up when speaking with another person about Christ we can have confidence that his word will do a work that can’t be undone. Gods word changes lives and hearts. It even changes the direction of entire cities.
Our goal is to preach his message to the people. Which is, repent from your sins and follow Christ with your whole heart. If you’re struggling what to say to another person about Jesus give them the truth that he changes lives and hearts. All he wants in return is our commitment and worship. I think that is a fair trade.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Micah 1-7
