By Vebu Khamo
JONAH means dove. Doves are used in a variety of settings as symbols of love, peace or as messengers.Unfortunately, Jonah couldn’t live up to his name. He got real bitter and angry at the graciousness and loving attitude of God towards the Ninevites (Jonah 4:1). Keep in mind, he was God’s chosen vessel yet rotten within. I shouldn’t be very quick to judge God’s prophet as I’m guilty of a thousand greater sins. But doesn’t it sound more of a pagan when Jonah got displeased and upset about the revival hour at Nineveh. He ought to be rejoicing at the thought of a successful mission trip but not so. From the outside, he was a renowned prophet called by God yet his heart was dark and dirty. “People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions” (1 Samuel 16:7). God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8). Imagine if God were to reveal our hearts openly, most of us would be abashed. Thank God, He’s kind!
The outward show doesn’t really count when our hearts are filled with awful odours of pride, anger, jealousy, selfishness, hypocrisy, evil thoughts and lustful desires of the flesh. Who of us is not guilty of such lists? None! Holiness of hearts is the constant cry of a regenerate soul. We are least concerned about what people thinks and say of us. The “inside-thing” matters most because God is looking at that.
Now, it is interesting to note that to change the heart of Nineveh took an announcement, “40 days more and Nineveh will be destroyed” but changing the heart of God’s prophet was so hard. God had to take him down to the pit of the grave to change his mind. One preacher sigh, “During the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached 1 sermon and 3000 converted but today we preach 3000 sermons but none gets converted.” The message of warning to believers who has become callous in heeding to the voice of God is in grave danger of being condemned. He is patient but don’t take that for granted.
Real Repentance
Notice that the nation of Nineveh believed God’s message, fasted, repented from their evil ways and stopped all violence. This is true repentance. Many believe and confess their sins but do not forsake them. Many plead guilty but do not change. Many cry and weep but there’s no evidence of renouncing their wrongdoings. It’s all a matter of lip-service and not from the heart. Remember that there is no forgiveness for continuing acts of sinful behaviour (1 John 3:6).
Second call: Jonah did right
One act of obedience to the Lord proved very fruitful. Jonah obeyed God and announced the message of judgment (Jonah 3:3). It resulted in the saving of thousands, if not, millions of souls. Today, your one act of obedience is what God is asking for. Maybe it’s a call to live a holy living, prayer, evangelism, giving and so on. That one response from you can bring about miracles in the lives of people around you. I like the way the Contemporary Bible Version puts it, “Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God’s sight” (Romans 5:19).
Which one would you choose: (Gourd) Leafy plant or Souls?
That was the question God asked Jonah. The leafy plant gave immense comfort to Jonah and he was so happy about it. But God also prepared a worm and it ate up the plant so that it withered away. Jonah was damn angry and pronounced death over himself.
He was so concerned about the plant that it withered quickly. He was angry that it vanished in an instant. So God said, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?” Jonah retorted “Yes, even angry enough to die!”Waoh! What an attitude!
And God closed the book saying, “You are concerned about a short-lived leafy plant that gave you comfort yet I’m more anxious about 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals…” (Paraphrased)
Questions to ponder: Would you trade your little comforts for the sake of lost souls around you? Are you troubled about the damned souls walking around you? Are you willing to step out in obedience to God’s call and concern? He’s calling you today.
