“Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time. ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.’ This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all.” (Jonah 3:1-3 NLT)
Most church goers are familiar with the story of Jonah, the man who was swallowed by a large fish for disobeying God. Having read Jonah dozens of times I’ve mostly been tempted to think he got what he deserved, yet, upon closer investigation, I’m not sure I wouldn’t have done the same thing. The Ninevites were wicked and violent people who had a reputation for torturing and killing God’s Prophets. Who in their right mind would jump at a chance to go to a place like that? On many levels it’s no wonder Jonah went the opposite direction.
On the other hand, Pastor David Wilkerson went against the weight of common sense and obeyed the Lord as he reached out to gang members and drug addicts in New York City in the 50’s and 60’s. He took risks and exposed himself to personal harm for the glory of God and the Lord honored his faith and blessed his ministry.
Perhaps while Pastor Wilkerson’s decision to make that commitment didn’t seem as dramatic as Jonah’s, Jonah ultimately took advantage of his second chance, preached to the Ninevites and it resulted in one of the greatest revivals to that point in history. Yes, of course, the Lord had moved in significant ways before, but you’d have thought that Jonah would have been ecstatic by the outcome, but instead he pouted and got mad at the Lord for not destroying them.
How like us when the Lord moves on our behalf, but rather than rejoice we pout because the Lord didn’t punish our enemies. Yes, the Ninevites great revival was short lived, but Jonah had no way of knowing that when he was preaching. He may have expected at any second to be taken out by a sniper, but he wasn’t and the Lord proved faithful once again in his life, yet he continued in his disappointment in God’s decision.
Perhaps you’ve disagreed with some of what you perceived as “God’s” decisions. Do you need a second chance today? Or maybe a 1,246th second chance? Gratefully, the Lord is merciful and will forgive, but no joy will come unless and until we repent, turn from our sin and seek, not only forgiveness, but new life in Jesus.
I’m reminded of some of the many famous people who had a very rocky start. For example, Albert Einstein struggled in school, was expelled, and was rejected by a prestigious university. Yet he persisted, eventually revolutionizing physics with his theory of relativity and winning the Nobel Prize.
Thomas Edison was fired from multiple jobs and told he was “too stupid to learn,” yet he turned rejection into fuel, inventing the light bulb after over 1,000 failed attempts. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, Jordan missed thousands of shots and lost hundreds of games, but his relentless work ethic led to a legendary career. Oprah Winfrey overcame poverty, abuse, and early career setbacks, ultimately building a media empire that made her one of the most influential figures in the world.
While these are examples of human effort, nothing in this world is ever accomplished aside from the Lord’s approval. My sense is it saddens the Lord to see the gifts He gives to His people squandered on their own fame, but it also shows us He will help us if we’re willing to put forth some effort. What might He do with and for you if you gave yourself to Him, then gave your all to a vision He has given you? Nothing is impossible for those who believe.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 