Scripture:
Jonah 3; 1 John 1:8-9
Thu, 27 January 2022

The Preaching Man

Observation:

What did the Ninevites do to repent before God?

Deeper Reflection
AT THE START OF CHAPTER 3, JONAH WAS BACK AT SQUARE one, with a second chance to obey the LORD. This time he made it to Nineveh. Interestingly, the author mentions that the city was “three days journey in breadth” (v.3). This could have been a reference to the time needed to visit the city due to ancient diplomatic protocol – the first day would be for arrival, the second for the purpose of the visit and the third for return.71 Given this protocol, Jonah’s preaching was extraordinarily successful. On the first day he would not have met the king; and he would have only been able to preach extensively on the second and third days. Yet somehow, on the first day, as Jonah was just warming up, the Ninevites already enthusiastically believed God en masse (v.5)!72 Jonah’s message even reached the king, moving him to don sackcloth and sit in ashes (v.6)!The stunning repentance of Nineveh brought about a staggering turnaround – God relented from bringing disaster on them (v.10). Now, the text does not actually indicate that the Ninevites’ repentance led them to become full worshippers of the LORD.73 However, the text suggests it was genuine. The point is this – even the cruel Ninevites could and did repent! The implication is that it is not too late for people to turn back to the LORD with all their hearts. May we experience the liberating joy of coming back to God again and again when we do sin, for He is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1:8-9).
71 Stuart, Hosea-Jonah, 487. 72 Ibid., 488. 73 Wiseman, Alexander, and Waltke, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah, 138.
Application:

How can I regularly practise the spiritual discipline of confession and repentance?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: That they will lead the church to proclaim the Gospel sensitively and boldly, and that many will be led to turn to Christ in repentance
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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