This is the conclusion of the snapshot of grace from the Old Testament. Please read the last two day's posts first.
How often we act like Jonah. God has shown us grace so that we can be ministers of grace but instead of passing that grace along we do the very opposite. We get angry and wonder why God has not judged the sinners. God has not brought judgment on the sinners of this world because He is still giving them opportunity to repent. We cry for judgment and God gives grace. We cry for punishment and God shows mercy. So often we are like the prophet Jonah rather than the prophet Habakkuk who prayed, “In wrath remember mercy.” We turn that prayer around when it comes to our enemies.
How different was the prophet Nahum to also was sent by God to preach to the Ninevites. Unlike Jonah, Nahum went when God sent him but though he was obedient in preaching to the Ninevites they did not accept his message and God brought judgment against them.
One aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is long suffering. God is long suffering toward us and toward the world. He is a God of mercy and grace but there will be a day of judgment. Until that day we need to be ministers of grace to a sick and fallen world.
Jonah preached repentance and the people repented. Jonah desired judgment but God expended mercy. Jonah was extended grace by God when he deserved punishment and rebuke but He could not extend that to others. Are we any different?
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