So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the Word of the Lord.
Obedient at last (for children)
Introduce by description of Jonah’s conduct and history. Dwell on his call, flight, peril, humiliation, prayer, restoration, and second call. Also on--
(1) The city.
(2) The preacher.
(3) The message.
(4) The fast.
(5) The proclamation.
(6) The Divine mercy.
Impress that the long-suffering and forgiving grace of God are shown--
1. In giving Jonah another commission.
2. In hearing the penitent prayer of the Ninevites.
Show that penitence must, of necessity, precede forgiveness. Make this question the point of the address,--In what spirit should God’s servants go forth to do His work?
1. They should be strictly obedient.
2. They should be simply trustful; quite sure that God would will the right, and give them grace as they needed.
3. They should be prompt and ready, going at once and cheerfully.
4. They should leave with God the results of their mission. Illustrate, from one Bible character, each of these divisions.
(1) By Abraham.
(2) By David.
(3) By the missionaries who could say, “Immediately we conferred not with flesh and blood,” etc.
(4) By the apostle Paul. (Robert Tuck, B. A.)
Obedience
Erastus Corning, when a little boy, applied at a shop for employment. The foreman looked down at the frail, lame boy, and asked, “Why, my little fellow, what can you do?” “I can do what I am bid, sir,” was the answer. His willingness to obey secured a place, and was the beginning of his successful career as a merchant. (Sunday School Teacher.)