Monday, July 28, 2014

Never Changes

God never changes. Jonah found that out. His instructions didn't change even though he disagreed and ran the other way. After being thrown overboard, swallowed by a fish, and spit back out on the shore he started; God spoke to Jonah a second time: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.” This time Jonah started off straight for Nineveh, obeying God’s orders to the letter.
Nineveh was a big city, very big—it took three days to walk across it. Jonah entered the city, went one day’s walk and preached, “In forty days Nineveh will be smashed.” The people of Nineveh listened, and trusted God. They proclaimed a citywide fast and dressed in burlap to show their repentance. Everyone did it—rich and poor, famous and obscure, leaders and followers. - Jonah 3:1-5 
There are 5 things that Doesn’t Matter to God when it comes to extending us His great grace.
- It doesn't matter what you have done.  Jonah was totally disobedient - God forgives!
- It doesn’t matter where you’ve been. Jonah had been thrown into the sea and swallowed by a fish! 
- It doesn’t matter who you are. Priest or pagean when God decides to use you He will
- It doesn't matter what your background is. Bible scholar or new believer - If you know Jesus then you know enough!
- It doesn't matter how you look or smell.  If God has a plan for your life don’t bother running it won’t help. 

After being thrown in the sea to be saved by a big fish Jonah decides to do what God said. When the city wasn't destroyed he said he'd rather die. He accepted God's grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness, but was not willing to give it to others. The Ninevites repented and were saved.

God's grace never changes. Have you accepted it? Here's the test: Do you give grace to others (even your enemies)?