Jonah 3 1-5, 10. v 5 “The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.”
Then God spoke to Jonah a second time. Get up and go to Nineveh and deliver the message I have given you. This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command and went to Nineveh. On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds, “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.” When God saw what they had done, he changed His mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.
Religion is about relationships, how to love yourself, your neighbors and God. Jonah in his response to God’s call ran away. But God spoke to Jonah a second time. God gives those devoted to Him a second chance. The second time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command. The people of Nineveh also believed God’s message, they showed God by fasting and wearing burlap that they were sorry. God saw what the people had done and changed His mind about destroying the city. God watches us and shows mercy, undeserved favor, to those who were really sorry. Don’t destroy your relationship with God because others are doing things you don’t approve of. Trust that God will sort it out.
Prayer: Almighty God thank you for watching over us with love. Help us to continue to follow the example of Jesus and to allow those who do things differently to be disciplined by you. Amen.
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