Jonah

We just finished our family devotion studying the book of Jonah. It is amazing the similarities between Nineveh at that time and America today. Nineveh was given 40 days to repent of their sins and turn from their wicked ways or God was going to destroy the city. It is worth noting here that God was obligated to hand out this punishment to Nineveh because of their sin. As a righteous judge, he is obligated to punish. On the other hand, as a righteous God, he is equally obligated to reward obedience. Nineveh had one last opportunity to change. When Jonah finally relented and warned the people, there was a great move towards repentance. I find it interesting that the king himself stepped down off of his throne, took off his royal robes, dressed in burlap, and sat on a heap of ashes. The leader of the land stepped out of the role of authority and stepped into the role of leadership towards repentance. Because of his leadership, the people of Nineveh followed suit, and the city was saved. 

 The similarities between Nineveh and America are glaring. Nineveh was given 40 days to repent of its evil ways. I strongly believe America has been given a short time to repent. I believe God has clearly gained our attention over the last six months in order to wake us up to the reality of our own coming destruction. There is no doubt America is in the same category now as Nineveh was a few thousand years ago. We are a sinful nation about to be judged by a righteous God who is obligated to punish sin. Nineveh was mercifully given a final warning before it was destroyed. Likewise, God has mercifully warned us that our destruction is imminent unless we repent. I have no doubt that the Corona Virus, and all the chaos that is happening in America right now, is part of this warning. Several people are warning about this as well. I believe it behooves us to listen. 

 My question for America is, “Where are the leaders who will lead us to repentance?” Is our President leading the way towards repentance and forgiveness? Are our governors, mayors, or civic leaders calling for a time of fasting and prayer? Sadly, the answer is “No”. What is even more devastating is the fact that most of our church leaders are not leading us either. Many in the church simply continue on like this is just a blip on the radar screen that will soon disappear. As of today, there are 43 days until the election. I am not predicting the destruction of America in 43 days. I believe the destruction of America has already begun. We have already started crumbling from the inside out. 

 What I am predicting is that if God’s people don’t start praying and fasting right now than America will receive the same punishment that Nineveh was in store for. I am also predicting that a simple, half-hearted, one-minute, pause my movie so I can bow my head for 60 seconds, prayer is not going to cut it. That is more of an insult to God than a prayer. If our government leaders will not do this, then I call on the leaders of our churches to start it. If our church leaders will not do it, then I call on the leaders of every household to start it. Start praying and fasting as a family. It must start somewhere. There is no doubt we have been warned. 

 There is no doubt we are facing the righteous judgment of God. There is no doubt our time is short. There is one last thing I am sure of, God is a righteous judge who must punish sin, but he is also a God of love and mercy who will forgive a repentant heart and a repentant nation if they will turn back to Him. Please make sure your heart is right with God, and please be praying and fasting for your family and our nation in the next few weeks. This is urgent!! Please listen to the warnings.