When we think of REVIVAL in terms of the Bible, it means a renewal of interest, a rejuvenated heart, a restoration of joy in the Lord after a period of spiritual neglect. You may not realize it, but God is moving powerfully not just in pockets across the U.S., but in countries of the world even where Christians are threatened with imprisonment. One great example is the country of Iran. According to Voice of the Martyrs, at least a million Iranians are leaving Islam for Christianity, and more than 50,000 mosques are now closed.
Sometimes, we who live in America, can generalize and make assumptions that countries or cities should not prayed for because they aren’t traditionally followers of Jesus. However, the Bible shows us over and over again this truth: God’s heart is that all people would flourish in Revival! One Old Testament prophet who learned this lesson was Jonah.
Jonah was a prophet from Galilee who ministered to the kingdom of Israel. But, when God gave him a different mission to go to Ninevah— a long journey 700 miles to the east, he instead ran as far away as he possibly could in the opposite direction. He was afraid to go to the home base of the world’s most bloodthirsty pagan warriors known for their brutality, cruelty and violence.
Not only was Jonah terrified of this city, he didn’t believe the Ninevites deserved to be saved. Only after he ran away and boarded a ship, was thrown overboard in a storm, ended up in the belly of a great fish, and finally washed up on the shore (you know the story), does he decide to obey and fulfill his mission in Ninevah.
“Now Ninevah was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, ‘Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.’ This was a tough sermon to a tough people. Amazingly, the Ninevites believed God! A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.” (Jonah 3:3-5) The king changed his royal robes for sackcloth, sat in the dust, and issued this proclamation: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” (Jonah 3:7-9) Through Jonah, God gave the Ninevites an opportunity to repent of their sins, turn from evil, and place their faith in Him. Why? Because God still loved the people of that city even in their wickedness.
Jonah preached revival, and the Ninevites, believing his message from God, changed their actions. True revival always produces real change. They also fasted from food and drink. This action showcased their true sorrow over their sins. Then they earnestly prayed and turned to God in repentance.
What should this mean to you? Let us each examine ourselves for the Ninevah in our own lives. As a Christian, is there someone you are afraid to face? Is there some place you are afraid to go? Perhaps, a friend where you work? A group you hang out with? Your neighbors down the street? Your Nineveh might be your spouse or your children. Your Ninevah might be your new job in a new city. Or a new home on a new street.
Nineveh ultimately stands for any part of God’s will that we wish to disobey or run away from. We all, like the Ninevites, need to be willing to hear more of God’s Word as we do on Sundays at 415987 Highway 9, Eufaula, with small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., and Wednesday night activities at 6:30 p.m. Jesus loves you, and calls you to follow Him. Join us as we pursue our collective revival of faith!
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
