By Brenda Rota
One month ago we started a sermon series on Jonah: God’s Heart for the World. Our elder over Global Outreach, Shawn Wolf, challenged us to read through Jonah on our own. It is only four chapters and takes less than 10 minutes to read: that is my kind of challenge!
I have read and reread Jonah several times in the past month, and every time God shows me something new about Himself, His Creation, and of course, my own heart attitude.
1) God – there is an easy principle to remember about God. God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. Nineveh, one of the most important cities in Assyria, was full of evil. Nahum 1:9 says they plotted against God Himself. And yet, God in His goodness, mercy and grace sends His prophet, Jonah, to preach there.
2) Creation – another easy principle to remember about God and His Creation. God has created all things; therefore, all things are under His authority. Jonah did not believe the people of Nineveh were worthy to receive God’s compassion. He probably hoped they wouldn’t believe his message of repentance (Jonah 3:4). But only God knows the heart condition of His own creation.
3) My own heart attitude – I have to confess: I can so relate to Jonah. I, too, have heard from the Lord and walked the other way. I’ve come up with some good excuses too: “I’m not qualified”; “I don’t believe it is in my gifting, Lord”; and “I truly just don’t think you mean me”. Thankfully, like Jonah, I received a second chance to be obedient to a holy God.
Several years ago I received this challenge from God: “Write down everything/anything you are not willing to do for me.” I quickly got to my feet, and I told Him then “I’ll do anything you ask.” I will admit, this has not always been easy! It requires my eyes to stay focused on Him and a heart surrendered to His will.
How about you? What are you not willing to do for God?
No comments:
Post a Comment