ESOCS Devotional 27 September 2022
TEXT: JONAH 3: 1-10
MEMORY VERSE: “God saw what they did; He saw that they had given up their wicked behaviour. So He changed His mind and did not punish them as He had said He would” Jonah 3:10 GNB
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
As we read in John 10:10, the thief’s intent is to steal, to kill, and to destroy. In likewise manner, the devil’s purpose is to lure people into sin, so their souls will be condemned. But the mission of Jesus Christ is to give mankind a rich and satisfying life. In other words, Satan introduced sin, which brings about reproach and punishment. But Jesus stresses mercy and God’s grace.
Generally speaking, the Book of Jonah emphasizes the grace of God. With particular reference to our text, we understand that God does not intend to treat us as our sins deserve. But He, in His infinite mercy offers forgiveness freely to all. For instance, He saved the disobedient Prophet Jonah from drowning. He also gave him another opportunity to obey His word, and live. Secondly, when the people of Nineveh heard the warning and acted in humility, and repentance, the Lord had mercy on them. He did not destroy their city as intended. In all, from the account of Jonah, we discover that even in the Old Testament times, God freely forgave all who responded to Him in faith and true repentance. It does not also matter whether they are Jews of Gentiles.
In John 1:29, the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. The indication here is that the presence of God’s Son in the world should have made it easier for people to repent. Even Jesus Himself, (Matthew 12:41), wondered how terrible it will be for the present generation of evil doers who would not repent through Him. Through Jonah’s preaching, Ninevey repented, and were forgiven. How much easier now that a greater then Jonah has come into the world.
The overflowing love of God motivated Him to sacrifice His Only Son for mankind (John 3:16). In John 1:12, we read that to all who believed Him and accepted Him, they are given the right to become God’s adopted children. In John 10:10b, Jesus Himself states that His purpose and mission on earth is to give mankind a rich, satisfying life. Isaiah 53:7, points to Jesus as the greater than Jonah that would come into the world. Even the Bible Book of Revelation portrays John’s vision of Jesus as the slain Lamb of God, who receives the praise of heavenly hosts. He is the One who has come to defeat all enemies, and to take the church to be His bride (Revelation 21:2, 9).
CHALLENGES: Jesus, the great – the greater than Jonah has come into the world. Receive His good news and be saved.
PRAYER POINTS: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge you as He that was to come. Have mercy on me and save me.
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FURTHER READING: Judges 16:1-22; Matthew 12:38-50; Acts 7:17-36.
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ESOCS Devotional 27 September 2022
