The Pulpit Commentary — Jonah — Section 79

Vera. 1---4.----.Jonal, in Nineveh. I. A. GREAT RESTORATION. .After his recreancy to <luty, who had been surprised if Jonah had been thrust out of the prophet's office? The guilt of his flight, the moral insensibility into which he had sunken, rendered him, many would think, unfit to be God's spokesman to men. But God ho.d mercy on him. .And saved, he had presently the assurance of it. He WAI reinstated in the prophet's office, and solemnly commissioned a.new to the prophet's work. A "second time" bidden go, be went. It was a great restoration, and openly marked by the great errand on which be was sent. The tDQ;·k showed that the worker was restored. For that still the backslider is recovered. Not for mere personal enjoyment in relio-ion. Not merely to have the assurance of individual safety. But also to "show" ;hat great things God bath done for him. Was Peter restored? Let him prove it: "l<'ced my sheep, ... my lambs." So was Jonah comforted; restored, he had the assurance of it in the renewed commission, "Go to Nineveh." IL A GREAT sPnEBE FOR wonK. God himself, in giving this commi~sion, spoke of Nineveh as" that great city." Jonah knew from human testimony that the city was gTe&t. But God says it is. Then let Jonah be ready for difficulties. It is no little work to which he is bidden. Aud is the greatness of Nineveh mentioned only to prepare him for the magnitude of the task before him? Is there not implied therein a reason, should the people repent, for .the Divine compassion? "Should not I spare Nineveh, that great city?" (eh. iv. 11). In a town, with its many homes, families, cares, virtues, vices,-how much to impress a human imagination, to affect a human hea.rt ! But in great cities, throbbing with restless life, each man of the millioned multitude with his own history, his own destiny, how the solemn interest is deepened I Great cities are great to God. Religion is the only protection of city or state. The repentance of the Ninevites averted the doom of Nineveh; its wealth, valour, fame, availed not to effect this. This puuishment of nations as such comes in this world. The sins of nations have destroyed them. May our own nation know the time of its visita• tion, that it perish not ! IIL A GREAT EXAMPLE. Jonah is here seen at bis best. There is a moral sub- limity in his prompiitude. "Arise, go." He went. '!.'he difficulty of obedience always ,grows by delay. lt may be hard at the beginning, hut it will be easier then than ever .after. "God ]oveth a cheerful giver," whatever be the gift. Bold was Jonah. Wisely bold. .As soon as Nineveh was reached he began his solemn cry. Bold, though alone. He had no human companion to encourage him, to help him. Bold, to utter the cry of woe. Destruction was the burden of his oft-repeated message. Nothing in that to gather affection to him-loving, joyful attention. May his courage be ours! We -have gl,ad tidings to tell; and no such lonely path to tread as he. With such a message, and with the viewless presence of the Messenger, we may well be of good -courage.-G. T. C. • Ver. 2.-The preaching that God bids. 1. Not the message of our own imaginat~on. 2. Not what men desire and what will be palatable to them. 3. But what God buis. To the messer,ger he gives the message-from his Word; by his Spirit. His gospel- not altered, not added to, not diminished-is to be preached "to every creature." With faithfulness, simplicity, persistence-whether men hear or whether men forbear. Like Luther, "I can do no other; God help me I" -G. T. C. Vers. 6-9.-Jonah's successful ministry in Nineveh. With a quick and marvellous success was Jonah's ministry crowned. Doubtless the Ninevitea knew how he had sought to escape his mission to them, ari.d all the perilous and miraculous consequences of his flight. This seems cl.-arly implied in our Lord's words, who says that Jonah wa11 "a sign unto the Ninevitts." And he only could be this in so far as they were acq;:.a.iuted with his history. He was" a sign" that Jehovah was not to be trifled with. If he, afriend of Jehovah, had b6en puuished, what might the enemks expect? "A 4iig!2 •• also of J ehovah'un.ercy as well as justice. If he had been saved, might not they 1 OH. Ill, 1-10.] TUE BOOK OF JONAH. 77