Real Life

In our Tuesday night bible study we finished up Jonah chapter three. Jonah has been a great book with lessons about God’s will, God’s Grace, God’s Miracles, multiple chances, evangelism, ministry results, and more! The following is a thought from last night’s discussion.
Jonah’s preaching extravaganza was a 3 day walk through Nineveh. How many of us would walk for three days preaching the gospel without receiving anything in return. There was absolutely no self-gain for Jonah. These people were not even going to become a part of his church back home. As Jonah preached with passion the results were incredible. God is calling us to do ministry even if there is no personal gain. How many preachers view their calling as a job and not a joy? We have been called to preach not profit!
Other thoughts from Jonah:
Jonah ran.
Jonah tried to hide.
Jonah tried to sleep it away.
Jonah paid.
Everyone was effected by Jonah’s sin.
Jonah wanted to die rather than obey God.
Jonah was a preacher and no one on the ship knew it. They had to ask his occupation. How many preachers are undercover?
God was in control the entire time.
God sent a storm that frightened even professional sailors.
Jonah was thrown over board. Jonah was entangled in sea weed. God prepared a big fish to save Jonah’s life.
When Jonah repented, he was spit out on solid ground.
God re-commissioned Jonah. God is a God of another chance. Usually not the second chance since we have already used that up.
God blessed the message.
The people of Nineveh repented.
How many people are ready to repent if we would just listen to the voice of God and do our part?