…the word came a second time (Jonah 3:1-4:11); Get up and go! If you’ve ever been where Jonah’s been, a second chance is like breathing a full breath of new air. Your thinking has changed. Your heart has surrendered The only thing on your mind is gratefulness. There’s no room for growth in the “belly of a whale.” The victory that is in life itself is cause to do God’s will and obey the passion of God’s Word within us. Get up… go.. and proclaim… the message! Be all that God has called you to be.
“Prophets are not without honor except in their own country…” Matthew 13:53-58 The South African concept of Ubuntu emphasizes the interconnectedness of the human relationship. One can not be human by oneself. Anything that is done by one affects someone else in some way. For this reason, the concept encourages that each should strive towards the greater good because then everyone benefits, everyone moves forward. In the same way, when used according to his will, God’s gift to one of us, in various ways is God’s gift to each of us. Yet, when Jesus returns to his hometown filled with the wisdom and power of the Holy, the people of his hometown reject the gift given for the benefit of everyone. Innately, we are created to be in right relationship with God and one another. What we do is not so much about honor among peers as it is about the will of God. Christ has done his part, now is the time for us to do ours. Let us honor, receive and share the Gift. Have faith and believe.
Cover Photo by Elliot Haney 2009
If we could interact specifically and only with God would we be as faithful to his law as we claim our desire to be? If we could walk in his presence physically by his side would we be as focused on his will? If we could clearly hear his voice as in a meeting across a conversation table would we heed his every consultation? If only we could… what would the world really be like, what true wisdom might we gain? As we wait for God, how long must God wait for us?
Matthew 23: 37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.
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