A Most Difficult Test
Do we have concern if not love for the people of Iran? How about Russia, China, Somalia and other nations that don't share our best interests?
The prophet Jonah was concerned that the Lord might save 120,000 wicked people of Nineveh. So he refused to preach to them, took a ship in the other direction, was tossed into stormy waters, and swallowed by a great fish.
It's a true story. Jesus himself referred to Jonah while addressing a crowd: For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here. - Luke 11:30, 32
After God delivered Jonah, who reluctantly went to Nineveh, and the people great and small repented, the prophet explained himself:
I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. - Jonah 4:2
The Lord replied: Have you any right to be angry? The people cannot tell their right hand from their left. Should I not be concerned about that great city? vv. 4:4, 11
Jonah was more concerned about his own comfort and his attitude. He was not dedicated first and foremost to God's will.
Commentary:
Jesus is concerned enough about all people in all nations that he gave his own life as a ransom for sin. - Romans 5:8. Beyond human love. Beyond concern for his own people (Jews and would-be Christians). He died for all. - John 3:16
He sent his disciples into all the world to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations. God relents from sending calamity and cancels his judgment when we repent.
We can be committed to the success of our church, while not for God's will and purposes for the world. Do we have some of Jonah in our hearts?
Jimmy
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