Reading
SAA Notes
Consider the description of Nineveh in 3:1 – the City of Blood! The ancient Assyrians practiced terror and torture as instruments of government over its subject peoples. Rather than objecting to God’s strong language, we should take heart that such barbaric doings get Him angry!
SJA Notes
* Holy God, please show us wisdom from Your word today.
“And all who look at you will shrink from you and say, ‘Wasted is Ninevah; who will grieve for her?’ Where shall I seek comforters for you?”
Ninevah was a great city of the mighty Assyrian army.
The same nation that God used to bring His judgement on Israel, laying waste to the northern kingdoms.
And importantly the same city that God had worked a great revival over a century previously through the preaching of the prophet Jonah (the fellow who spent three days in a big fish).
From the king on down through all the city, they repented in sackcloth and ashes at the word of God preached to them.
And yet within a hundred years the city of Ninevah, and the Assyrian nation, has brought upon themselves God’s judgement.
This shows a deep truth that we must wrestle with.
You are not saved because of someone else’s faith. Even such a revival as was experienced in Ninevah did not mean salvation must have followed in successive generations.
We serve a God who has a personal relationship with each of us!
We serve a King who took on the burden of each of our sinful hearts!
We serve a Shepherd who knows each of us, His Spirit in each of us His people, growing us.
We cannot be saved because of someone else’s faith.
We are saved only through Jesus, each of us, knowing Him as Lord and Saviour – Trusting in and obeying our risen King!
We must be born again!
* Dear Lord God,
Thank You that we do not, and cannot, rely on any human for our salvation.
Thank You that we rely on You, the Almighty and Sovereign, Holy and Righteous, Gracious and Merciful God!
Thank You for saving us Lord God.
Please write Your word upon our hearts today.
Amen.