My day started off with a morning workout with my trainer. I then returned home and got ready for a “quick” trip to Denver. After taking care of my visits and errands I returned to Fort Collins in time for an evening meeting.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “In the same way, I tell you there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes his heart and life, than over ninety-nine good people who don’t need to change.…In the same way, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God when one sinner changes his heart and life…We had to celebrate and be happy because your brother…was lost, but now he is found.” Luke 15:7,10,32 NCV

The story of the “Prodigal Son” is a well know story from Jesus. But it is really one of three stories that Jesus tells to get the attention of the people and to show them that to Him, “lost lives matter.” Scripture declares of Jesus,  “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”  (Luke 19:10 NIV)

Let me begin by asking what is the longest you have searched for something that was lost? What did the experience feel like? How did you feel when the object was finally found?

I’m not sure how Jesus would have told the story in our day, but in His day the value of a sheep and a coin and certainly a son was significant. As I consider this story, the first thing that stands out is that which is lost matters and is valued.

As a matter of fact, the lost sheep is so valued, the 99 that were not lost were left to “fend for themselves” while the shepherd looked for the lost sheep. The search for the lost coin results in a thorough “house cleaning” clearing, sweeping and sifting until it is found.

The lost son, was of such great concern that it caused the father restless nights and a continual gaze to the horizon in hope that this son who willingly left, would willingly return.

There was not rationalization or justification to diminish the value of what was lost. In other words, “I still have 99 sheep or I still have  nine coins or I still have one son.  Instead we see that which was lost captivated the attention of the seeker and motivated action and hopes.

Next, I observe the patience and persistence that is required to find that which is lost. When we look for something that is lost, it captivates our mind and we think about where it last was and where it could be and what it will take until it is found. Sometimes, we are ready to give up, just when we look again in the same place, or turn over the cushion or look under the bed or comb the car and there it is!

Scripture says that, “God is being patient…He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.” (2 Peter 3:9 NCV)

Finding that which is lost is a cause for celebration. Undoubtedly, if something of value is lost long enough, when it is found we tell or spouse or call a family member of friend to share the good news. In these stories Jesus shares, when a person comes to Christ the event is worthy of a grand celebration.

Jesus talks about “joy in heaven” when one sinner repents. The woman who lost the coin, tells her neighbors and invites them to celebrate with her. The father kills a fat calf and holds a party for the son who has returned.

What is important for us to remember is that scripture says, “all we like sheep have gone astray…” (Isa. 53:6 KJV) There was rejoicing when we were found, when we returned and we must never grow tired or fail to celebrate when the “lost is found.” Because “lost lives matter” to God and they should to us.

After attending a morning breakfast and running some errands, I got in a little office work. I had a massage appointment this afternoon and planned on getting some work done outside after it was over. It look like I worked harder yesterday than I realized. When my massage was over, I was like a limp rag. So I came home to get in some rest before an evening meeting.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us.” 2 Kings 6:16 NCV

After Elisha is anointed to succeed Elijah, we read of the accounts of the miracles during Elisha’s ministry. One of those involves the King of Aram attacking Israel, but finding out that every plan he made was being discovered by Israel. He suspected a traitor in the his midst, but his men told the King, “It’s Elisha, the prophet from Israel. He can tell you what you speak in your bedroom.” (2 Kings 6:12 NCV)

The King orders his armies to go and find Elisha. One morning his servant steps outside to greet the new day wiping the sleep from his eyes and “he saw an army with horses and chariots all around the city. The servant said to Elisha, “Oh, my master, what can we do?” (2 King 6:15 NCV)

However, Elisha did not panic but simply replied, “Don’t be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us.” Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, open my servant’s eyes, and let him see.” (2 Kings 6:16,17 NCV)

This what happened next, “The Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:17 NCV)

Elisha the prayed for the Lord to blind the armies and he then led them into the middle of the city of Samaria the Capital of Israel. All the Aramean soldiers became “prisoners of war” without an arrow being shot or a sword being swung. Israel’s leaders were so confused they didn’t know what to do. Elisha had them feed their enemies and then let them go. As a result the King of Aram called off his attacks on Israel.

I like this story because of the faith of Elisha that trumps the fear of his servant. I like it because it reveals the power of God’s unseen power and forces fighting for His people. I like it because a great “victory” was won for God’s people, without any conflict. I like it because the pagan King of Aram and the King of Israel, who was not as faithful to the Lord as he should have been, both saw the power and faithfulness of the Lord.

In our lives, in the battles we face and in the opposition we encounter, we need to allow faith in our powerful and sovereign Lord to counter the fears of what we see. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians we should, “fix our eyes not on that which is seen, but that which is unseen….” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)

When we do we see the power of the Lord that is available to “come to the rescue.” We see this reflected in Jesus words in the garden, when He rebuked His disciples about their feeble attempts to protect Him, “Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?“ (Matt. 26:53 NLT) I like the fact that while one third of the angels were thrown out of heaven with Lucifer’s rebellion, that it means we have two to one advantage in the activity of the spiritual realm.

We can have confidence in the power and strength of the Lord to work on our behalf. I like the words of Psalm 124 “If the Lord had not been on our side—let Israel say—if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us; they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us…Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth….Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”  (Psa. 124:1-3;6,8 NIV)

Whatever comes our way. Whatever the battles we fight. We find that God is with us….always!

Today, I joined with Pastor Steve Harris from Timberline Church to conduct the chapel service at Mackenzie Place retirement facility. The group of seniors is always appreciative and gracious. I then spent several hours on my landscaping project preparing for some grading work around the foundation of our house. I think having the use of my power wheelchair actually makes it easier in some ways (although longer) than if I was totally “able bodied.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “All these things happened because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God.…the people would not listen. They were stubborn, just as their ancestors had been who did not believe in the Lord their God.  They rejected the Lord’s laws and the agreement he had made with their ancestors. And they refused to listen to his warnings. They worshiped useless idols and became useless themselves. They did what the nations around them did, which the Lord had warned them not to do.” 2 Kings 17:7,14,15 NCV

After the reign of Solomon two kingdoms emerge in Israel. The northern kingdom (ten tribes) known as Israel and the southern kingdom known as Judah. (comprised of Judah and Benjamin) After years of idolatry and wickedness in rulers and people the Assyrians conquer and take captive Israel and its inhabitants. We read of the “remove and replace” strategy of the Assyrians. “…he [the king of Assyria] took the Israelites away to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes….The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and put them in the cities of Samaria to replace the Israelites.” (2 Kings 17:6,25 NCV) They were never restored to the land. And they people relocated to Israel’s capital city from these other cities became the “Samaritans” of Jesus day.

Prior to this, we see the tragic violence and confusion in Israel’s leadership. After the forty-one year reign of Jeroboam II in Israel we see his son Zechariah ruled six months and was assassinated. Shallum who lead the revolt became King for one month and was assassinated. Meneham who lead the revolt became King (the third king in seven months) and ruled for ten years as a brutal and ruthless dictator. He paid off the Assyrians with money in the  treasury and taxes from the people to stave off an attack.

Memeham’s son Pekahiah became King and ruled two years before being assassinated by one of his army captains. Pekah who lead the revolt became King, ruled twenty years but was continuously attacked the the King of Assyria. Finally, Hoshea, assassinated Pekah and became King and ruled for nine years (most of those years as a “puppet King” of Assyria) before Israel was taken captive. So we see four out of the last five Kings of Israel were all murdered by plots of leaders in their kingdom.

What we observe about Israel can be true of individual lives. A tragic end doesn’t take place over night. It is more often  series of poor choices, disobedience to God and a troubled existence, that is culminated in a sad ending.

We also see that Israel failed to learn from the past. Instead of changing their ways, they followed the ways of their ancestors who failed to completely trust in the Lord.

They continually disobeyed the Lord’s instructions and commands. Moses gave instructions to parents to “teach your children” the ways of the Lord. There were priests and prophets who knew the law and ways of the Lord, so it was not for a lack of the availability of knowledge and understanding about God’s laws.

They refused to listen to God’s prophets. The Lord in His mercy sent His messengers to call His people back to Himself and to sound the warning about the coming consequences for their rebellion. But they turned a deaf ear.

They made their choices and their choices made them. “They worshiped useless idols and became useless themselves.” This undoubtedly took place gradually over the course of time. But they persisted and they became like the idols they worshiped….useless, empty, no power, no future.

They chose to follow the ways of the nations around them over the ways of the Lord. They wanted to “fit in” with the cultures of the day. Everyone else had these “gods” you could see. Israel was to worship the “unseen” God. By adopting the ways of cultures around them, they became more  and more wicked. They sacrificed their children to pagan gods. They looked to the stars for direction about their future. At the same time they had an awareness of Jehovah God, but they oped for a “pick and choose” approach in their spiritual life.

When we see where Israel started and where they ended and it is a sad story of gradual and persistent life of disobedience and rebellion against the Lord. They failed to listen, they failed to repent. When I consider the history of Israel I find myself asking, “why didn’t the Lord just send fire from heaven to destroy the idols?” But then I realize that the Lord said he would test His people to see what was in their heart.

Some people today take the attitude, “If God doesn’t approve of what I’m doing, He will stop me.” The Lord only did that to one person that I can recall in thousands of years. His name was Saul of Tarsus. The Lord tests our hearts in order to reveal our hearts to us.

In our lives we will experience either a continual and gradual downward slide, or we will choose to respond to the Lord’s grace and mercy. When respond to the Lord, we then follow Him in the path where He leads, and ever upward path and journey that lead to an eternity in His presence. Jesus came to bring us life. Life abundant, free and eternal.

Today was a good day of some activity and guests. I attended the men’s ministry breakfast at Timberline. We heard an interesting presentation from a Fort Collins police officer on “Human Trafficking.” Also, this afternoon we enjoyed another visit from my friends Spencer Swalm and Leon Bandli. These two continue to be a great source of prayer and encouragement for both me and Debbie. We enjoyed lunch at another Fort Collins hot spot, the 415 Restaurant, recently featured on the Food Network.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “The people who saw this happen told the others how Jesus had made the man well.  All the people of the Gerasene country asked Jesus to leave, because they were all very afraid.…But the people [from Bethsaida] learned where Jesus went and followed him. He welcomed them and talked with them about God’s kingdom and healed those who needed to be healed.”   Luke 8:36,37;  Luke 9:11 NCV

As I was reading in Luke this morning the two reactions of the people of two different cities during Jesus’ ministry caught my attention. Have you ever taken a trip and the events that transpired caused you to conclude, “that was a waste of time”? In Luke 8 we see how that Jesus got into a boat to travel to the other side of the sea of Galilee to Gadra. The sea turns into a torrent caused by a storm. Jesus calms the storm as the disciples fear for their life. Jesus and the disciples then arrive on shore and is immediately met by a demonized man. Jesus casts the demons out of the man into some pigs nearby and a great miracle of deliverance has taken place.

Jesus does not even set foot in the city but the people come rushing out to see what has happened. The people saw the evidence of the great miracle, but didn’t know how to respond so out of fear they asked Jesus to leave. What did Jesus do? He left. He did not react as James and John did  when they were rejected by a Samaritan town. They asked Jesus, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven and destroy those people?” (Luke 9:54 NCV)

We know of Jesus’ reaction. I wonder how the disciples reacted? They had just risked their lives, barely surviving a vicious storm, encounter this famed demon possessed lunatic and then the people ask them to leave! We don’t know, but it seemed like the reaction of James and John later on would have been a tempting response.

In contrast, we see the people of Bethsaida seeking Jesus out when He was trying to get away privately with His disciples. Jesus doesn’t rebuke the people because He had other plans, instead we read, “He welcomed them and talked with them about God’s kingdom and healed those who needed to be healed.” (Luke 9:11) As a result we see there were so many people and they stayed so long, that it lead to Jesus performing the miracle of “feeding the five thousand.”

We simply see that Jesus did’ not force Himself on anyone. During His ministry He was rejected by individuals as well as towns. He was accepted and celebrated by individuals, crowds and towns. Those who welcomed Him heard His words and received the miracles; those who rejected Him did not receive anything. Where Jesus is welcomed, people are never the same, where He is rejected, life is always the same.

As I reflect on this I think of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem….how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. (Luke 13:34 NCV) Jesus also said, “I tell you the truth…anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.” (John 13:20 NLT) I also think of the words of the psalmist when he wrote, “Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.” (Psa. 24:7,8 NKJV)

Do you have an open heart for Jesus in your life? To reject Jesus is to rob yourself of His life, presence and blessing. To have an open heart allows you to receive Jesus’ words and miracles in your life.

Also, how do you react to those who reject you, especially for your faith? Jesus told His disciples, “Anyone who receives you receives me….” (Matt. 10:40 NLT) Jesus also said, “What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man.“ (Luke 6:22 NLT)
Our response should be the same as that of Jesus. Go where you are welcome, make a difference with those who are open. Don’t be afraid to stand with Jesus.

This was one of our first “fall feeling days.” Cooler temps but still felt warm. I actually worked most of the day outside on a landscaping project. I felt that was good exercise for the day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Spirit led Jesus into the desert where the devil tempted Jesus for forty days. Jesus ate nothing during that time, and when those days were ended, he was very hungry.” Luke 4:1,2 NCV

The passages on Jesus’ temptation are some of the most well known in the Bible. Jesus was temped to “turn stones into bread” to “bow down and worship Satan” in exchange for “..all these kingdoms and all their power and glory” and to “jump off the pinnacle of the temple” to prove God’s care. Often Jesus’ temptation is viewed as taking place at the end of a 40 day fast. However, scripture says the devil, “tempted Jesus for forty days.”

We can learn some important lessons from Jesus temptation.

1 – Temptation comes at our greatest point of vulnerability. The recorded temptations of Jesus come at the end of the 40 days when he was “very hungry” and fatigued. Physical fatigue, can have an impact on our emotions and mind as well. In our life times of fatigue, stress or emotional and psychical need can make us more vulnerable to temptation.

2 – Being tempted is not a sin. All of us face temptation. All of us face different types of temptation. But temptation doesn’t have to lead to sin. Scripture says that Jesus was, “tempted in every way, just as we are–yet he did not sin.“ (Heb. 4:15 NIV)

3 – Temptations may be many but can fall into three general categories. We see these reflected on Jesus temptation to turn stones to bread, to seize the power of all the world kingdoms in exchange for worshiping the Devil and proving God’s love and Word by jumping off the temple. John in his first epistle identifies these as, “…the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…” (1 John 2:16 NIV) You may have heard these referred to as “sex, money and power.” Those are certainly related but not all that is involved in these three key areas of life.

4 – Temptations are an ongoing part of life. Scripture says, “Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.” We don’t know what they were, or when they occurred but scripture says they happened. I recall hearing of an elderly veteran missionary sharing in open and frank conversation with some young ministers in training. One of them asked, “at what age you stop being tempted with lust?” His answer was, “I don’t know.”

4 – Temptations are successfully encountered by living by God’s Word. As Jesus was temped by the Devil he responded to each one with “it is written…” Choosing to live according to God’s Word and knowing God’s Word is vital to our success. We see the Devil is a liar and deceiver. In his tempting of Jesus he used scripture. We need to make sure that we are living according to God’s Word and not just rationalizing our life through God’s Word. Psalm 119:9 (NIV) gives this advice, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”

5 – The Lord provides strength when we are tempted. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV)

In our life we can have confidence in the Lord’s strength He gives and the guidance we have from God’s Word. I’m thankful for the help to overcome and yet the forgiveness when we fail in the battle with temptation. I’m reminded of John’s words, “My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.” (1 John 2:1 NLT)

After my weekly conference call, I had another session with my trainer at the fitness center. He is doing a good job consistently challenging my weaknesses. The rest of my day was spent on some office work, a little work outside and preparation for an HOA Board meeting tonight.

So far my gardening effort this summer has produced, two cucumbers, two yellow squash, two ears of corn and some small green peppers.  I don’t think I want to calculate the time, and expense represented in that “harvest” so far. I think next year, I will become a regular at the “Farmer’s Market.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The people asked John, “Then what should we do?” John answered, “If you have two shirts, share with the person who does not have one. If you have food, share that also.” Even tax collectors came to John to be baptized. They said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” John said to them, “Don’t take more taxes from people than you have been ordered to take.” The soldiers asked John, “What about us? What should we do?” John said to them, “Don’t force people to give you money, and don’t lie about them. Be satisfied with the pay you get.” Luke 3:10-14 NCV

What would it have been like to be standing on the banks of the Jordan with the John the Baptist preaching? He certainly would not fit into “modern” society and he was an anomaly for his day. We read that “as people came to be baptized” John called them a “brood of vipers!” Not a real welcoming approach to what we refer to in church life as an “altar call.”

But what we see behind John’s words was a challenge to be sincere and to change. “Don’t just go through the motions, just don’t take false comfort in the fact that Abraham is your father”  was his message. Instead he called people to demonstrate repentance (that was at the heart of baptism) with true change.

It is out of this context that John tells each group what change looks like for them. Of course, his advice is not exclusive to those groups, but it is focused on the issues that each group could identify with.

John tells “the people” (the normal citizens of the day), don’t just focus on yourself, but be willing to help others. In a word we could call it “compassion.” Share with people in need. Don’t be content to have plenty when others have nothing and you are able to help. Later Paul would admonish believers, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (Philippians 2:4 NLT)

To the “tax collectors”, John says, “Don’t cheat, be honest.“ The tax collectors of the day were notorious mobsters. They padded their pockets by collecting excess revenue. I’m sure they were the ones who made famous the response, “how much do you have?” to the question, “what do we owe?” We see this reflected in the narrative when it says, “even tax collectors came to be baptized..” You can almost hear the gasps and murmurs over the corridor of time.

To the “soldiers” John said, “Don’t take bribes, don’t’ lie, don’t complain.”  Next to the tax collectors the Roman military had to be the most feared by the people. The local governor would easily take the word of a solider over a citizen and that relationship made bribery and coercion natural twins. Then I find it interesting when he says, “be content with your wages.” As a former legislator, I take a degree of comfort in knowing that “government” workers have never been satisfied with their pay!

To each of these groups, John’s instructions and the evidence of a “changed life” he pointed out, would set them apart from others. For some they would be going against that which was culturally acceptable, giving preference to pleasing God first and foremost. People not living just for themselves. Tax collectors not ripping people off. Soldiers being honest and content. That would have certainly made people notice.

The same is true for us today. Followers of Christ are called to standard that pleases the Lord and not just what is acceptable to the present culture. When we do, it is not because we “are better” it it because we have been changed. Changed for the “good.”

Peter writes that this “changed life” lived out among people does stand out and provides an opportunity to share our “reason for hope.”  “…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”
(1 Peter 3:15 ESV)

Today ended up being a full day of some office work. I did get out to a Chiropractor appointment. He felt that I had shown some remarkable improvement even since last week, so perhaps my training at the fitness center is making a difference.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “In the past he was useless to you, but now he has become useful for both you and me.” Philemon 11 NCV

Philemon is Paul’s shortest and most personal letter. At its heart is a story of redemption and reconciliation. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon’s who had run away from his master. In the process and over the course of time he and came in contact with Paul, while Paul was in prison, and became a Christian. (Philemon 10)

Paul believed both he and Onesimus and Philemon, needed to do the right thing. Paul even mentions that it would have been easy to have Onesimus stay with him and help him while he was in prison. But we see that true redemption also includes reconciliation. In Christ the banished, the alienated and runaways are brought home.

Paul helps in the matter by writing a letter to his friend to pave the way for Onesimus to return to his master. Paul appeals to his friendship with Philemon and his confidence in Philemon’s faith and love for God’s people. Now, his runaway slave is “one of God’s people.”

Paul believed he had the apostolic authority to command Philemon to accept Onesimus but he said, “yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you”  (Phil. 8 NKJV) It was not only the “right” thing to do, it was that which was motivated by “love” more than “law.”

Philemon’s relationship with Onesimus was to be different. His status in life was changed because his heart was changed, and so Paul appeals and anticipates a change in Philemon’s heart. “…you will love him even more, both as a person and as a believer in the Lord.” (Phil. 16 NCV)

When we look at the three important people in this story: Paul, Onesimus and Philemon. All of them needed to do the right thing, in the right way for the right reasons. And when that took place, God was honored and a miracle of grace, mercy, forgiveness and restoration was made complete.

By the way, “Onesimus” means “profitable or useful.” We don’t know if that was a given name or one given to Onesimus by Philemon or someone else. But what we do see is that his true “usefulness” was fulfilled not in being a slave, but in being a follower of Christ and a “brother in Christ” to Paul and Philemon.

In the same way, our true value is seen when we fulfill God’s plan and purpose for our life and when we too, do the right thing, in the right way for the right reasons.

This morning I attended my Tuesday morning devotional and prayer time with some leaders and county officials and then got in some important work on a proposal for some consulting services, before heading to my fitness workout with my trainer. My trainer is pushing my limits on my underdeveloped muscles, so I am trusting it will help over the next two months.

I then made an afternoon trip to Englewood to visit with my mom and help her with some personal business. I stopped by my friend’s the Belvill’s home and a visit with my dear friend Vila Mae before heading home just in time for the rush hour traffic.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You are so concerned for that plant even though you did nothing to make it grow. It appeared one day, and the next day it died. Then shouldn’t I show concern for the great city Nineveh, which has more than one hundred twenty thousand people who do not know right from wrong…” Jonah 4:10,11 NCV

I recall giving testimony last year, before the County Commissioners as they were considering the Health Department’s recommendation to spray for West Nile mosquitoes within city boundaries. This was unprecedented since the County was taking action within city limits when the City’s guidelines for public health were not at the same level as those used by the County Public Health Director.

During the public comment period, someone expressed concern over the effect that spraying might have on organic gardens in the quadrant under consideration. I thought to myself, “Great! Now we are putting the concern for produce over people!”

We find a similar situation with Jonah at the end of the book that bears his name. In this situation the plant (a vine) was provided for by God to shelter Jonah from the heat. The next day when the sun came up, the plant shriveled and died and Jonah was exposed to the heat of the day. Jonah was upset.

The Lord used this to point out to Jonah, the contrast between his concerns and those of the Lord’s. In this situation Jonah wasn’t really as concerned for the plant as he was for his own comfort and well being.

There are two points of application that should get our attention. First, we see that often, God’s perspective and views are different than ours. Jonah was concerned about a vine, God was concerned about people who were lost in their worship of pagan idols. God showed them mercy due to the preaching of Jonah, but Jonah, as he sat observing the city from afar,  was still counting and hoping on God’s judgment.

So often we are out of step with the Lord’s heart and mind. At times, we want judgment when the Lord says it’s time for mercy. At others, we may find that when God says it’s time for judgment, we think it is time for mercy. This is a challenge and it requires us to be slow to rush to conclusions and attitudes about situations and people and to seek to know God’s heart and mind.

The second observation is, we need to be aware of being more concerned for our own comfort, than we are people in need of God’s intervention in their life. I recall a powerful sermon by Dr. E.V. Hill in which he said the “sin of Job” is that he was “at ease” in the midst of the pagan people of his day. He effectively built his message, in his classic preaching style, to point out that it is tempting to be “at ease” with concerns over our own life and affairs and relationship with the Lord, that we neglect God’s heart for hurting people, whom Jesus described as, “like sheep, lost and without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36)

We see in the Book of Jonah, that the Lord desires mercy for those we often don’t think deserve it. And we see that it is important for us to “be on the same page” as the Lord and to make sure our heart reflects His. Let’s not be guilty of putting “plants” or ourselves, over people for whom Christ died and for whom Christ desires to know His mercy and forgiveness.