*** Today’s readings will be divided, Jonah today and Nahum tomorrow. ***
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 1-4
Niniveh is the capitol of Assyria, a occupying nation over Israel.
Jonah hates Assyria (like a Palestinian might hate Israel today).
But God uses fishy means to get him to go to ‘sin city’ with His message.
‘Repent or perish’: when we hear this message, we hear anger and judgment.
But Jonah knows about God’s compassion; he fears God WILL forgive them.
“I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” (Jonah 4:2)
God’s heart is wide open to all people, no matter how ‘wicked’ they may become.
God’s compassion is not just for the people, God even cares about the animals! (Jonah 4:11)
Are we more like Jonah, unconcerned about ‘sinners’ or even hopeful for their punishment?
Are we unconcerned about the creation, about pollution or species extinction or animal cruelty?
If knew God like Jonah did, would we treat people – and creation – differently?
All people – including ourselves – are sinners who need God’s mercy and compassion.
God steps into ‘sin city’ Himself as Jesus, not to condemn us but to save us.
Now He sends us to do the same, to be His hands and feet and voices, calling His children home.
We need God to replace our Jonah eyes, and give us Jesus eyes.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to look at the people I meet today – wherever I am – with Your eyes, with Your compassion and mercy, and with Your desire to somehow help them.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observation/Application
Jonah ran from the Word of the Lord. How often do I do my own thing and not what the Lord desired me to do. How often am I not a true witness of my God? I too run from the presence of the Lord since I too am afraid of others and what they may think or do to me.
At all times I need to remember the living God and what He can do for me. He gives His people strength yesterday and today and tomorrow. He equips His people and in that power I can go forward. Help me daily make my LightShine Lord. In You I can be more than a conqueror. As always You equip Your people. My plans and my ways need align with His Way. My plans and His plans need to be in sync. Lead me and guide me Lord by Your Spirit. Help me daily walk in Your Way today and always Lord.
Each day I must ask this question . . .
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly[a] with your God.
Today is the Lord’s day and I need to walk and talk with my Saviour as I travel in His SonShine. Help me daily to see Your wonders Lord. God gives His people strength.
1. God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay
All those who bear the burden of the day
God gives His people strength.
2. God gives His people hope
If we but trust in His word, our prayers are always heard
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
3. God gives His people love
If we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people love.
4. God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.