Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Fast of Nineveh - Redemption of all
Jonah 3:1-10
Vs 10 “When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed His mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.”
The story of Jonah teaches us about God’s unrelenting passion to reach and redeem all people. Grace is the major theme of this chapter. First God’s grace is shown to His prophet Jonah by giving him a second chance. Secondly God’s grace is shown to the people of Nineveh.

God loves us and forgives our sins
1Corinthians 13:4 says: “...Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy” This is God’s nature.  God has proven this nature about Himself to humanity throughout the ages. He has maintained a covenantal relationship with humanity since creation. Even in our sinfulness, God continued to maintain patience with us and show us mercy. Even through the Israelites’ rebellion, God maintained His covenant relationship with them. Jonah 3:1- “Now the word of Lord came to Jonah the second time.” This shows the amazing love of God to His people. Though Jonah did everything he could to resist the first call of God, after he repented God called him again. After Jonah fled from the Lord, God delivered him from the death through the big fish. Jesus sets us the example of love and gives us the command to follow in His example.

God redeems us
We all are His creation. He loves all of His creations. He knew before the creation that we all are disobedient; He chose a path to save us from our sin. 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” This is what happened here too. He brings people of Nineveh to repent. He pardons to those who truly repent. Jonah acknowledges that his deliverance comes through prayer. All the inhabitants of Nineveh covered with sack cloth and they repent. When God saw all this, He changed His mind.

   This is the life of a Christian. God asked us to come to Him to be saved by His son. But we turn away from Him. But God offers everyone a second chance, even in our foolishness. God offers redemption for the lost.
 
PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for your loving kindness and forgiveness. Even though we have mistaken many times in our lives, you redeemed us and gave us another chance. Help us to witness your love and participate in the process of your redemption. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“True redemption is…when guilt leads to good.” – Khaled Hosseini (Afghan American Writer)

Suni Joe John , W/o Rev Joe John, Chundale St Peter’s MTC, Wayanad

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
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