Jonah 3:1, "And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time..."  

Jonah was a prophet with an assignment from God, but he didn't like the assignment. God was going to destroy the city of Nineveh, but before He did so, He wanted Jonah to go and preach to them. Maybe, they would hear the message and turn from their wickedness and be spared. Jonah didn't want to go because he disliked or possibly hated the people of Assyria. They had been the most ruthless army in history. They were unmerciful whenever they conquered.

Jonah wanted their ruin and destruction. Jonah had spent three days in the belly of a great fish, and in chapter 2:10, we read that the fish vomited him out upon dry land. Maybe, Jonah is now ready to listen and heed the words God had spoken previously to him. Jonah 3:3 states, "So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD." He warned the people of their impending destruction, the people repented and turned from their wickedness, and the city was spared.

Jonah, however, was not happy but instead was angry. Jonah 4:1 says, "But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry." It’s sad that a man of God, or any other person who is a believer, would be displeased with God saving people. No matter who they are or what they have done, we need to have the compassion of Christ in our hearts to see others come to a place of salvation in their lives.

May we obey the Lord the first time He speaks, no matter if we like it or not. Let's learn from Jonah's failure and be quick to hear the Word of the Lord.

I pray the Lord will use each of us today for His glory and for the good of others.  

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. Are you living in obedience to the call of God to share the gospel with others? How are you obeying His call?

2. Are there people that you prefer not to come to Christ because of the way they have treated you? Is this a proper response to God and His love? What should you do?

3. What can you do to free yourself from animosity towards others?