This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”
What I find fascinating about this passage is that Jonah is issuing a royal proclamation in the name of the king and his nobles. What a completely unbelievable reversal has happened in this once evil and violent land. They have the fear of God!
The people (and their animals) were to fast from food and drink. They were both supposed to put on sackcloth and ashes. And they were to cry out to God for mercy.
Jonah modeled the process of repentance and reconciliation.
Oh, Lord, your ways are far above my ways. You see with a much deeper perspective than I do. And you want me to ask you for help more often. Teach me to be humble & obedient to your call.
