Here is the story of one of the greatest evangelistic events or revivals in history - all because God gave Jonah a second chance. Notice the first verse: 'The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.' Isn't that encouraging? After all Jonah had done, God still wanted to use him. Twice God called Ninevah a 'great city'. It was one of the oldest cities of the ancient world. Its location would be in northern Iraq. 1,500 towers were on its enormous walls. It was the capital of the Assyrian Empire. It was also a sinful city, a heathen city. But God is not willing that any should perish. God's attitude to Ninevah was one of mercy and compassion if they would only repent. God was concerned lest they go on in their sin and wickedness and He would have to pour out judgment on them. Their response to the preaching of Jonah was amazing. The Spirit of God and the Word of God were doing their convicting work. The king led the way in repentance. The whole city stopped work and turned to God. There could have been a million people in that city, but the whole of the population turned to God in humble repentance. God never changes His attitude toward sin but He does change His attitude toward the sinner. It can be compared to riding a bike against the wind - it is literally against you in every way. Then if you turn around and go with the wind, everything will be in your favour. When we turn from our sin, we suddenly discover that God is on our side and wants to help in every moment of need. The cry of the sinner for forgiveness is the prayer God waits for. Unfortunately Ninevah's repentance did not last. Later God sent Nahum to cry against it again. This time God could not withhold judgment and the city was destroyed by the Medes at about 612 BC. God's patience had run out. |
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