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"So the people of Nineveh believed God"

Text: Jonah 3:5

A POSITIVE RESPONSE

A number of factors take place when the word of God is proclaimed. These factors may be considered as the Ninevites responded to the message that Jonah preached.

“So the people of Nineveh believed God,
proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth,
from the greatest to the least of them.”
Jonah 3:5

1. “So the people of Nineveh believed God”

a) A guilty conscience

i) This is a powerful element.

ii) It can cause people to experience remorse.

iii) It could lead to repentance.

b) The mercy of God at work

i) God could be giving them a final chance to turn from their wickedness.

ii) He could allow them to turn to Him in shame and sorrow.

c) Fear of judgment

i) This could have also played a role in the hearts of the people.

ii) The fear of being overthrown and destroyed could cause people to repent.

d) Exercise of faith in God

i) Whatever little faith they could muster would point them to seek God.

ii) All it takes is the size of a mustard seed for faith to operate in their heart.

2. “Proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth”

a) Calling for a fast

i) This would be a good and healthy indication to start with.

ii) It would help reflect sincerity of heart and intention.

b) Put on sackcloth

i) This would be a sign of deep mourning.

ii) Sackcloth clothing is not easy to wear; it would take a truly repentant heart to wear sackcloth.

3. “From the greatest to the least of them”

The response was widespread. Perhaps not every single individual responded, but a very broad spectrum did! The powerful ones would form “the greatest!” The common folk would form “the least”. Many in Nineveh turned to the Lord God in humble repentance as they heard the mighty message Jonah preached!