DAD'S RAMBLINGS – Abundant Lovingkindness
Jonah 4:1-2
"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. So he prayed to the LORD, and said, 'Ah, LORD, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.' "
On the one hand it is difficult to understand why Jonah was not filled with joy because of the thousands who responded to his preaching. I think I would be overjoyed if my ministry had been that successful. But then I remember how I respond when horrible people – like Ted Bundy or Charles Colson or abortionists – come to Christ, and I think, "They don't deserve God's blessing. They should rot in hell for their deeds." When truly evil people repent, instead of being happy, I wonder if they are really saved. That is not God's heart. He is gracious and merciful and abundant in mercy. After all, none of us "deserve" His grace. He rejoices over every lost sheep that is found. Oh, God, give me your heart.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: There should be great rejoicing every time a sinner repents.
Have a rejoicing day. Love you.
Jonah 4:1-2
"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. So he prayed to the LORD, and said, 'Ah, LORD, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.' "
On the one hand it is difficult to understand why Jonah was not filled with joy because of the thousands who responded to his preaching. I think I would be overjoyed if my ministry had been that successful. But then I remember how I respond when horrible people – like Ted Bundy or Charles Colson or abortionists – come to Christ, and I think, "They don't deserve God's blessing. They should rot in hell for their deeds." When truly evil people repent, instead of being happy, I wonder if they are really saved. That is not God's heart. He is gracious and merciful and abundant in mercy. After all, none of us "deserve" His grace. He rejoices over every lost sheep that is found. Oh, God, give me your heart.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: There should be great rejoicing every time a sinner repents.
Have a rejoicing day. Love you.
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