September 14, 2008

• Will God Change His Mind?

  “‘Who knows, God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we will not perish.’ When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it.” - Daniel 2:36-37 NASB

  The wickedness of Nineveh was so great that God decided to send judgment. But after Jonah warned this city, something miraculous happened: The people “believed in God.” They fasted and “put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them.” Even the king humbled himself, ordering everyone to confess their sins, humble themselves, and pray diligently. They hoped God might change His mind, and He did: He had “compassion on Nineveh” (Jonah 4:11).

  By forgiving the people in this far-off land, perhaps God was hoping to get the attention of His own people and send them a message about the need for repentance. He had told them, “[If] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). The wicked city of Nineveh had done those things, but what about God’s people? Sadly, they did not heed His warning.

  This story has an important message for us, too. We need to recognize that there is sin in our land. God has warned that we, too, will face the consequences of our actions. But, as Nineveh learned, He is a God of mercy. He can change His mind if we, His people, are willing to humble ourselves…pray…seek His face…turn from our wicked ways…and repent of our sins.

  Don’t sit back and do nothing. Repent of your sins and the sins of your land. Cry to God for forgiveness. Humble yourself. Seek His face. The course of history is in your hands!

  I pray Ray Boltz repents of his sin. 

  • 7:38 am
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