The Prophet Jonah lived some 800 years before the birth of Christ. God instructed Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh in Assyria and warn the people that - if they did not change their sinful ways, they would be destroyed. Jonah did not obey God, but instead got on a ship and headed in the opposite direction. a terrible storm came in and threatened to capsize the boat. Jonah knew that this was the direct result of his disobedience to God and God was angry with him. so, he told the sailors to throw him overboard where he was swallowed by a great fish. Immediately the storm subsided. Jonah spent 3 days and 3 nights inside the great fish. He prayed fervently and confessed to God that he knew he had been rebellious. God was merciful and so then the fish spit him out. God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh and warn them of the impending doom. Jonah declared to the people that within 40 days they would be destroyed by God because of their sinfulness. When the king hears Jonah’s words, he immediately took off his royal robes and put on a sackcloth garment. He ordered his subjects to do the same and told them to pray and fast.
Jonah became very upset that God did not destroy the people of Nineveh because he thought they did NOT deserve God’s mercy. Jonah went to the outskirts of the city, built a small shelter and waited for God to change His mind. Because the sun was brutally hot in Nineveh, God caused a plant with large leaves to grow to shield Jonah. But, the next day, He caused the plant to wither and die and the scorching sun began to beat down upon Jonah. God said to him: “You are angry because I caused a single plant to die. And yet, you didn’t want me to feel sorry for an entire city of 120,000 who needed to be taught the difference between right and wrong?
JONAH’S BEHAVIOR IS TYPICAL OF OURS. We expect God to be merciful to us, but we become judge and jury of others and of God when others need forgiveness. Jesus said to forgive 7 times 70 = 490 times for the same thing each day. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy (Matthew 5:7)
If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 5:14, 15)
UNFORGIVENESS PUTS THE ONE WHO HOLDS THE SIN OF UNFORGIVESS - INTO BONDAGE, BITTERNESS, AND ANGER. THE ONE WHO FORGIVES - FINDS FREEDOM AND JOY! FORGIVE QUICKLY! LOVE QUICKLY! PRAISE GOD QUICKLY!
Pray that you will allow Jesus to be your Lord and Master….He loves you!
Pastor Ramona Chadwick
