"The Ninevites believed God."
2 Thoughts:
1) The Ninevites believed God, not Jonah. They truly thought that God was the God whom Jonah was talking about. This is why Jonah uses the phrase in his prayer (2:9) "Salvation belongs to the Lord." Deliverance, salvation. The Hebrew word here means either of these terms. The Hebrew word (yeshua) is the root word used in the names Joshua & Jesus. Not only is Jesus the bringer of salvation and deliverance for us, He is slavation incarnate.
It is God who saves us. Our salvation is about a reconciled relationship with God - not about a formula or set of beliefs or doctrines. Our salvation is about life - now and forever - with God. This is why it is His to offer.
2) The Ninevites' repentance grew out of their understanding of God. When they realized how much they had offended a holy God, their natural reaction of was to repent and call on God to forgive. And God heard.
Remember how this book started - God spoke and Jonah didn't hear. Now God is the one listening. When those who are far from Him call on Him, He hears. No matter how "bad" they had been.
As I read this passage, I am reminded how important my relationship with God is. I am reminded that it cost God much more than it costs me. I am reminded that it is grace that keeps me and not my own good works (what little I have). My relationship with God is based on His gracious love for me.
The Father is quite fond of me (and you!).
Under the Mercy,
Jason
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