“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it…” Nineveh Believes – Part 5

The Ninevites were quick to ACT on the word by repenting. Research tells us, the population of Nineveh at the time was over 120,000, therefore, I can safely say, about 120,000 received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour; this is amazing!. The Bible says, “…there is more happiness in heaven because of one sinner who turns to God…” Read Luke 15:7 (CEV). So you can imagine the rejoicing in heaven, when a nation of over 120,000 and all of its animals believe and repent before God; having heard His messenger. Beloved, when we take the gospel of Jesus Christ to our nations, and they hear the message of the gospel and repent, the same rejoicing and jubilation would be expressed in heaven. Now imagine with me how God and the angels would feel, when His creation hearkens unto the voice of His word; I am sure He would say, “these are my beloved children, in whom I am well pleased.” I want my testimony to be, when the Lord calls me, my response would be “Speak Lord for Your son Ricky is listening.”

The people of Nineveh believing at the first instance was a point of study for me. Jonah, went first to the people, and not the palaces or the kings court. Interesting! The seemingly insignificant people were the ones who first responded to the Gospel brought by Jonah, and when word went out to the king of Nineveh, the Bible tells us, he immediately “arose from his throne, and laid aside his robe, covered with sackcloth and sat in ashes.” In other words, the king made himself of no reputation, and he was humble enough to take a queue from the actions of his subjects. Selah. Watch this, ‘the people recognised the conditions of their heart, and knew they needed a deliverer and a saviour.’ Selah.

Dearly beloved, are you aware of your need for a deliverer? Let me start by saying, “we are all in need of a deliverer and a saviour.” Selah. As children of God, ‘we have been delivered’ the Bible says, and Until Jesus returns, we would always be in need of a saviour. Consequently, when the deliverer shows up, would you be quick to receive what the saviour has come to deliver to you, either through the mouth of your pastor, a brother or whoever the Lord chooses to use? Beloved, it takes a level of humility to admit to ones wrong and repent from it.

I believe Jonah’s message cut through the hearts of the people, and they were defenceless to the point of surrender, and most importantly surrendering to the Lord God almighty, and falling into His loving grace and arms. Like David the king said, “I’m in a desperate situation, David told Gad. Please let us fall into the Lord’s hands because He is very merciful. But don’t let me fall into human hands.” Read 2 Samuel 24:14 (GW). I believe God had prepared the hearts of the Ninevites, such that the word was easy to penetrate and cause a spiritual heart surgery, and to take out the old and replace it with the new. Hallelujah.

Now the Bible says, “God saw their works,” that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.” Read Jonah 3:10 (NKJV). When the scripture says, “God saw their works,” it actually meant God acknowledged their action of faith in receiving the message Jonah came to deliver. Selah. Is God seeing your work (action) where His message or counsel to you is concerned?

Just a thought beloved as I write, ‘this is true socio-economic transformation’ taking place in the nation of Nineveh, with its people and leaders. The Bible says it this way, “So mightily grew the word of God in Ephesus, and it prevailed.” Read Acts 19:20 (NKJV). Is there any doubt that true socio-economic transformation can take place in our nations? I believe so, yes, The Bible says, “But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” Read Acts 10:35 (KJV). “For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.” Read Philippians 2:13 (AMP).

Are you believing or un-believing? The people of Nineveh believed on the basis of God’s message through Jonah! If you are un-beliving, I beseech you by the mercies of God to be believing; in other words ACT on Gods word which says, “Be Ye Born Again.” Don’t delay nor allow human reasoning distract you from what is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, Glory to God.

We write. You read. Be encouraged.