The Message

Jonah was sent to another culture, language and people group by God to give them one thing – His message.   Jonah 3:1-2, Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.”

So Jonah went to serve God by bringing a message – not to give clean water, modern medicine, good infrastructure or a better education.  No, a message!

It was likely that Jonah was going to tell those people to fear God because of what He had just experienced – a violent storm followed by 3 days in the belly of a great fish (those facts might have been included).  But God gave Jonah clear orders and a clear message.  What it was not: 

“Don’t run from God – it won’t work.”  True, but not the core message.

“Don’t be caught sleeping when others are in trouble.”  True, but not the core message.

“Three days in a fish is some adventure.”  True, but not the core message.

“Obey God the first time.”  True, but not the core message.

What was the message God told Jonah to give?  “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”  The message was that God was about to take action against their actions of rebellion, greed, adultery, selfishness, and evil so prepare to fall – prepare to die!  Boy, that resonates does it not?  To us, the United States of America and our neighbors – prepare to die!

Application for us?  The same!  Consider:  II Corinthians 5:20-21, Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.  For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

So, Jesus saved me in order to send me out as His representative with His message.  He did not save me to do my thing.  He did not save me to have a wonderful life, retire with money to fulfill a bucket list, or give and participate in a wonderful church all the time having Heaven in my hip pocket.  No, He saved me to put me to work – for Him!

An ambassador is sent to a foreign place/land and sometimes a hostile place to provide answers and give wisdom to a government different or even contrary to that of the one he/she represents.  An ambassador is to be very knowledgeable about his government’s policies and beliefs and be in tune with his government’s leaders so to fulfill his duty else be called home (He is enmeshed in Bible study and in prayer and quietness before God as to know His will and ways).  

A good ambassador pleads on behalf of his government to take a certain course or not take a particular action else there be consequences.  A good ambassador is passionate about faithfully serving and about giving a clear and strong message. 

And what is the message of Christ’s ambassador – the message of those who are truly His?  

Be reconciled to God.  For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

“Be reconciled” is a call to action for the truth is that people – all people – are not reconciled to God, but need to be – and can be!  So many believe they are either born reconciled or they can be so by their good works.  NOPE! 

For the rest of the message points to the death of Jesus, the perfect God/man who took the sin debt that man might be reconciled to God.  Only by agreeing, submitting, and committing to following and serving Him does one find true reconciliation and thus a righteous covering that makes one fit for Heaven at death.  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life – there is NO other way to God!

So, Jonah delivered the message: repent for judgment and wrath are about to fall – and his audience, including the President, heard and agreed and God spared them from the looming destruction.  

Such is exactly the call on our lives as ambassadors – His message loud and clear – always!