Jonah 3:1-10

Obeying God

© 2000, J.W. Carter
Scripture quotes from KJV

Jonah 3:10.

10When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

Though the people of Nineveh deserved the destruction that would come from God’s judgment, God’s love for them was demonstrated by his compassion and mercy. Likewise, all of us deserve destruction. It is only because of God’s love for us that He has provided a way. The Ninevites responded with their best attempt to obey God, based upon the model they had seen in the Israelites. It is presumable that Jonah gave them some instruction. We have been given instruction in obedience by Jesus. No one verse can sum up Jesus’ teaching on obedience, but one comes close.

Romans 10:9-11. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

There is only one way to obey God, and that is to make Him our Lord. It is God who is to be the treasure of our lives. God’s will is to "seek and to save those who are lost" (Luke 19:10.) When God is our Lord, He can then use us for the purpose he intends. He has given to each of us interests, gifts, talents, and skills that He can use for the furtherance of the Gospel. Whether it is simply the joy experienced in giving a glass of cold water to a thirsty soul, or giving the living water of the Gospel to a lost soul, it is still the same: giving of one’s self to God to be used as He wishes. Once we step off of the throne of our lives, and give God his rightful place there, there is no limit to what God can do in us to accomplish his work.

The Assyrians had no assurance that God would forgive. We are reminded in 1 John 1:9 that God is "faithful to forgive us and redeem us from all unrighteousness." God is immutable, He never changes. Consequently, that same forgiveness was always available to the Assyrians. How much more faith did they demonstrate by not having this assurance, yet still responding in repentance?

We can learn a lesson from Jonah. God has a purpose for us, and that purpose is to obey Him, and to follow his lead as he seeks to make us a part of his Plan. Jonah failed when called upon to obey God, yet God gave him a second chance. As we have failed to be obedient, God still stands at the door and knocks at our hearts. We will find real peace when we open that door and let Him in. Then He can use us to proclaim His grace. Some people will listen to the message of God’s redeeming love. They are waiting to hear.