Enemies?

“… no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” (Lk 11:29).

“Nineveh was an enormously large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but single day’s walk… when the people of Nineveh believed God… When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had treated to do to them; he did not carry it out.” (Jonah 3:3-5. 10).

How difficult was this mission for Jonah. Assyrians were enemies. Jonah really liked God’s plan to destroy Nineveh. Especially because it was God’s plan. Jonah, the Israelite, was chosen to deliver the message about the chance to repent they’d been given.

Our enemies are also God’s children. Without His grace – and the opportunity to repent – they will die.

“Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful.” (Verse before the Gospel).