S) "7 He issued a proclamation and it said, 'In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste a thing. Do not let them eat or drink water. 8 But both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth; and let men call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands.'"
Jonah 3:7-8 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Jonah 3
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Jonah 3
O) Jonah had barely made it a third of the way through the city, when the people responded in unity, believing his words and repenting. As news reached the king, he responded with the above words. He was extreme with his response, leaving no possibility for a lapse in repentance.
A) This part of Jonah's book really resonates with me. I tend to have an extreme attitude, when it comes to repentance. There seems to be no biblical reason to think that animals should fast, or that they are capable of culpable violence. Still, the king wanted to be sure, so they were forced to fast as well. Similarly, when I have a conviction, I may also "overreact" with extreme measures in my repentance. While it probably does no harm, forcing my pets to fast (so to speak), it surely does not help. In the case of this king, he didn't really know the LORD. He could not have known what God wanted, and must have thought it was better to be safe than sorry. Conversely, I do know what God wants. He made it plain in Scripture. I have to think that my Father God wants my reactions to be more reasonable. Throughout the Bible, He asks for clear thinking, sober minds, and rational thought. So, when I feel a conviction, I should carefully seek to balance my reaction, not letting my emotions carry me, even if it's "better safe than sorry." This is a matter of maturing in my relationship, knowing my Father God. I should certainly understand better than this king did.
P) Father, thank You for the convictions You have given me. Thank You for discipline and correction. You treat me, graciously, as a son. As emotional as I often am, I still want to think clearly. I want self-control. I don't want to live out a hyperbole, cutting off my hand when I sin. You desire a change in my heart, not in my abilities. That's what I want, too. I don't want to be a rash person. I don't want to be swayed by polarizing emotions, Father. So, when I feel Your convictions (and I pray I feel them my whole life), help me to pause, pray, and carefully consider what to do about it. Please continue to discipline me as a child, and also to instruct me, and help me continue gaining self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. I want to have self-control to avoid sin, but even after I sin, I want to have self-control in my confession and repentance. Thank You for knowing me, and letting me know You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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