“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.”
Jonah 3:2
As I reflect on the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and countless others from his generation who made sacrifices for us that many today have taken for granted. To dream and imagine a better life for ourselves and others frustrated by dark forces seen and, in the shadows, can cause us to lose sight of our divine purpose. I don’t know which is worst; those lost in aimless living or those who reject the assignment placed on their lives. No life is not a random occurrence. No life is not an accident, but a calling to be from our Creator who knew us even before we were formed in our mother’s womb. Every nation, ethnic group, race, and gender are created with dignity as image-bearers of our Creator. However, somehow equality and brotherly love have become an increasingly optional social ethic than an absolute in our life pursuits. The social ills of racism, classism, sexism, and other –isms are still present today. To deny it as a believer is to reject the fallen nature of humanity. Like Dr. King, we must recognize the fallen nature of society demands a divine response for real change. Every one of God’s children must be able to realize their full potential in His sight. We all have a God to glorify!
Yes, I recognize that systems are working against our young people to be murdered by stray bullets. There is unfettered access to narcotics. The widening of the revolving door of the prison system. The devaluing of schools as a waste of time and the degeneration of the family. Yet, I also recognize that people understand their divine assignment to break the cycle of the decline of human dignity. Someone once said, “All great men and women become great because they invested time, talent, and ability in the care of others.”
While reading Jonah, I saw a man called out for rejecting his divine assignment. Jonah was okay with his assignment as a prophet and preacher if he agreed with God (2 Kings 14:23-27). However, when God commanded him to preach to Nineveh, Jonah rejected the assignment. Now Nineveh was one of the worst enemies that Israel had at the time, so, understandably, Jonah hated the Ninevites even though he kept his feelings close. Jonah’s actions exposed his true feelings, and he tried to run, but he could not hide from God nor his appointed purpose. In fact, once Jonah excepted his assignment, he preached his most compelling message; in a single day, an entire nation’s heart moved to repentance in the sight of God. Unforgiveness was at the root of Jonah’s issues. Forgiveness is our greatest need and highest achievement, but it can still hurt, so we must not forget what the pain has taught us.
What has God appointed you to do in light of what is going on around you? God appointed a storm and great fish to guide Jonah to his assignment. God appointed a betrayer, a cross, and a borrowed tomb that in three days Jesus Christ would be risen from that dead as Savior and Lord. We are forgiven through Christ Jesus, and our sins are remembered no more (Hebrews 10:17). Let justice run down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream. The Lord be with you mightily today!
Because He lives,
Pastor Reggie Sheppard