From Jonah's story we learn about the cost of avoiding God's call. Jonah did not want to go and prophesy against Nineveh. He tried to escape God's mission and wound up inside a big fish for three days.

But one of the most instructive lessons, and probably least discussed, is the fact that Nineveh was a Gentile nation. God cared not only about Israel but about all the nations. He cared enough about Nineveh to send one of His prophets to them. "Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!" Jonah cried. Nineveh's residents repented on the spot. Everyone from the king to the lowest pauper fasted and donned sackcloth. Even the animals did not eat.

In spite of Jonah's initial resistance, God used him to bring a charge against a wicked Gentile nation. Nineveh's people responded well and averted God's judgment. Though no specific mention is made of God's law, the king spoke of his nation's evil and violent ways. Somehow, he and the people knew they had violated God's commands.

Here is one court case where the Judge had mercy and offered leniency to the lawbreaker nation. Jonah delivered but eight simple words to Nineveh. "Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!"

Numerous other examples are found in scripture of prophets "prosecuting" a wayward nation with a detailed list of their crimes against God, the nation's non-repentance, and God's subsequent sentencing through judgment.

What do God's prosecuting attorneys look like today? Abortion picketers? Christian radio talk-show hosts? Christian columnists and writers? Outspoken songwriters and other Christian artists? Can you think of examples of how God is using His Church and His prophets to prophesy to our own nation today? Are God's modern prophets called to warn our nation of impending judgment? Send in your comments.

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Next week we will change direction slightly and look at how God's Prophets can keep themselves from the danger of deception. We will explore Three Safeguards for God's Prophets.

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GroundWorks is an imprint of Reconciliation Press. The name has been chosen to reflect the biblical idea of roots and foundations in Christian life and culture. As you read these weekly articles, look for words and imagery in the text that illustrate these themes.

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