It's an intriguing story: the most reluctant messenger of all was one of the most effective. A few words spoken matter-of-factly and without passion brought a city of 120,000 people to its knees.
If hearts are responsive God is willing. Perhaps that's the great message of the Book of Jonah. This reluctant prophet was well aware of the Father's gracious nature but desired instead His holy wrath against the enemies of Israel. No doubt he hoped his simple and dispassionate message of "Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown" (Jonah 3:4) would be ineffective in averting judgment. Much to his dismay, "the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them." (Jonah 3:5)
Amidst Jonah's extreme - even suicidal - displeasure God instructed concerning His gracious nature: "Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?" (Jonah 4:11). His probing question was designed to stir similar compassion in this heartless prophet.
It's important to know the gospel in order to share it with others, but even more fundamental is a compassionate heart for the lost that moves us to share. If we care we'll share regardless of how basic our understanding or simple our speech.
The greatest thrill in life is working with a hardened sinner and seeing their heart soften and their life change under the molding influence of the gospel of the kingdom. Such works of grace leave us in awe of the incredible life-changing power of the gospel: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16)
Who has the Father placed in your life and path who needs to know and experience His grace through His Son Jesus? Is your heart filled with enough compassion to move you from your comfort zone and beyond your lack of understanding to share what you do know and have experienced of His grace?
"Father, fill my heart with Your compassion. Even as I train to know Your word better, may that knowledge be coupled with a heart of compassion for Your lost children. Make me aware of that person or persons You have placed in my life that You desire me to reach with Your gospel "
May this day be an adventure of compassion and grace.
Steve
If hearts are responsive God is willing. Perhaps that's the great message of the Book of Jonah. This reluctant prophet was well aware of the Father's gracious nature but desired instead His holy wrath against the enemies of Israel. No doubt he hoped his simple and dispassionate message of "Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown" (Jonah 3:4) would be ineffective in averting judgment. Much to his dismay, "the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them." (Jonah 3:5)
Amidst Jonah's extreme - even suicidal - displeasure God instructed concerning His gracious nature: "Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?" (Jonah 4:11). His probing question was designed to stir similar compassion in this heartless prophet.
It's important to know the gospel in order to share it with others, but even more fundamental is a compassionate heart for the lost that moves us to share. If we care we'll share regardless of how basic our understanding or simple our speech.
The greatest thrill in life is working with a hardened sinner and seeing their heart soften and their life change under the molding influence of the gospel of the kingdom. Such works of grace leave us in awe of the incredible life-changing power of the gospel: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16)
Who has the Father placed in your life and path who needs to know and experience His grace through His Son Jesus? Is your heart filled with enough compassion to move you from your comfort zone and beyond your lack of understanding to share what you do know and have experienced of His grace?
"Father, fill my heart with Your compassion. Even as I train to know Your word better, may that knowledge be coupled with a heart of compassion for Your lost children. Make me aware of that person or persons You have placed in my life that You desire me to reach with Your gospel "
May this day be an adventure of compassion and grace.
Steve
posted by steve @ 11:24 AM
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