Jonah 3:5
We humans are strange creatures.
Non are stranger than the 'Christian'.
Here we see a collection of people that all believe in one set of facts and rules, and they still manage to royaly cock things up. Arguing about petty and insignificant things and loosing sight of the real reason we are all here (no . . . not to decide the colour of the carpark fence!)
Jesus (the perfect example of what we christians strive to be) taught us to love one another as we are loved by the Lord, and yet there is still bickering in the church.
I heard today that Hanover Hall was closing soon, due to lack of attendance and the age of those that do attend.
This is sad.
The message that Jonah voiced (no matter how depressingand pessimistic the delivery!) seemed to strike a chord with the Ninevites.
The word used to describe their new-found faith -'believed' - is the same term in Hebrew that describes Abraham's relationship with God.
This radical repentance came to a bit of a shock to Jonah.
The Assyrians were already a religous people; they shaped their national life in accordance with Ishtar (godess of war). But they would welcome other gods (if it suited their needs at the time!)
So was this 'turning' for real?
As we look further we see that the wear sackcloth and fasting (a sign of mourning) and throw themselves at the mercy of God.
This is indeed a miracle.
It IS difficult to pray for some people (maybe people we don't get on with). The conversion of some people may seem impossible.(check out www.headtochrist.com for the story of 'Head' from the band Korn's coversion to the christian faith) But to the God who can even raise the dead, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
Love you x
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