In the book of Romans chapter 2, in the midst of discussing the wrath and condemnation of God that is due those who are hardened of heart and impenitently involved in and approving of sinful practices, Paul asks in verse 4, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”
While Jonah's message of judgment jarred the Ninevites into rethinking their sinful actions and mourning over them, it was ultimately God's goodness that leads the sinner to repentance. As a sinner becomes aware of the gravity of his sin, and the just consequence due him, he becomes equally struck by the mercy that God has extended toward him, in not taking his life.
The Ninevites believed God (Jonah 3:5); they were genuinely convicted and sorrowful for their sin (3:5-7), and they sought to change their behavior as a result (3:8). But all of this could not be the product of a people who only feared and sought to escape judgment. Ultimately those who truly repented did so, while entertaining a glimmer of hope that God might spare them (3:9). Why would the Ninevites think they had any hope whatsoever? After all, Jonah's message offered very little: "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" (3:4). Yet obviously something in Jonah's preaching or demeanor made it clear that there was yet some hope. Some find it quite unbelievable that Nineveh was converted to God as a result of such preaching. But Nineveh had hoped in God's compassion – His prodigal mercy.
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“ I've Despised It. ” I've Despised Him. The whom my soul loveth. The one who loved me and died for me. Indwelling sin is a Monster. A Monster of Iniquity. A Monster of Selfishness. A Monster of Deception. On that final day it shall die. When we see Him we shall be like Him - 1 John
A native of New York, Pastor LoSardo was saved by the grace of God in 1986 after hearing the Gospel from his brother, while pursuing a career in scientific research. He was ordained into the ministry in 1995 and served as the Associate Pastor of a large Messianic Congregation...
