In today’s devotion, we focus on the significance of the end times or “eschatology” in the Bible. The Bible is not just a book of history; it also speaks of the future and the “last things.”

We are all familiar with the stories and events from the past recorded in the Bible. However, they serve not only to convey the past to us but also to provide spiritual lessons for our lives in the here and now. The Bible uses past events to teach us how to live our lives today.

But the Bible not only looks back at the past but also forward to the future. It not only tells of past events but also events that are yet to come. It gives us insights into the future, even to the end of times. Eschatology in the Bible deals with the events of the end times, including our doctrines of death, judgment, heaven, and hell. It is about the promise of hope for a new existence in a new world.

An example from the Bible that illustrates this hope can be found in Daniel 2:44 and 7:18. These verses point to the hope that God’s kingdom will be established at the end of time and will last forever. Unlike worldly kingdoms that come and go, God’s kingdom is eternal.

“The plan of redemption will end in bringing back the world to God’s original purpose. All that was lost by sin will be restored. Not only man but the earth will be redeemed, to be the eternal abode of the obedient. For six thousand years, Satan has struggled to maintain possession of the earth. Now God’s original purpose in its creation is accomplished. ‘But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever’ (Daniel 7:18)” (from “Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 317).

While the Book of Job may end with his death, the good news for us, as well as for Job, is that the end of the book is not the end of his story. Similarly, our death is not the end. Our hope lies in the promise that God’s kingdom will be established at the end of time and will be an eternal home for the redeemed.

May this hope shine in our hearts as we wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises in the future. Let us live in gratitude, knowing that our life does not end with death but continues in the glory of God.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-end-the-final-kingdom/

The deep inner conflicts and prejudices expressed in Jonah’s reaction to God’s grace for Nineveh – here are some thoughts on the key points:

1. Jonah’s hatred and prejudices: This section of the Bible clearly shows how deeply Jonah’s hatred and prejudices against the inhabitants of Nineveh were rooted. He harbored such a strong grudge against these people that he even wished for death when God’s judgment on the city was withheld. This reminds us of how prejudices and hatred can be deeply ingrained in our hearts and influence our view of the world.

2. God’s gentle rebuke: God confronted Jonah not only with a sermon or words but with a concrete experience in which a plant quickly grew and then withered. This experience was meant to help Jonah recognize his distorted worldview. It emphasizes how personal experiences are sometimes necessary to change our perspective and soften our hearts.

3. Valuing people: The commentary emphasizes how Jonah valued the plant more highly than the many thousands of people and animals in Nineveh. This highlights how easily we can focus on our own interests and comforts rather than considering the well-being of others. It raises the question of how we perceive God’s interest in the “wicked” and the unreached, and how we respond to it.

4. Challenge for us: Finally, the commentary challenges us to reflect on our own behavior and attitudes. How do we react to God’s interest in those we may consider “evil” or “unreached”? How do we deal with our own prejudices and feelings of hatred? Jonah’s unfinished story reminds us that God’s love and grace extend to all people, and He calls us to walk in His footsteps.

It highlights how deeply rooted prejudices and hatred can be in our hearts and how important it is to open our hearts to God’s love and grace in order to fulfill the mission of proclaiming and bearing witness to the entire world.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-excuses-to-avoid-mission-5-4-our-excuses-uncomfortable-confrontations/

The significance of Jonah’s experience in the belly of the fish and his mission in Nineveh in overcoming inconveniences and prejudices in the service of proclamation: here are some thoughts on the key points:

1. Change despite inconveniences: Jonah’s example shows that even after a dramatic experience with God and His mercy, inconveniences and personal preferences do not disappear immediately. This reminds us that change and growth often require time and effort, even if we already have a relationship with God.

2. The effect of proclamation: In Jonah 3, we see how the people of Nineveh responded to Jonah’s message, even though Jonah may have had reservations. This underscores the power of God’s word and how God can work through our obedience, even when we are aware of our own weaknesses.

3. Humility and overcoming prejudices: Just as Jonah had prejudices against the people of Nineveh, we sometimes hold biases or reservations against certain individuals or groups. It requires humility to confront these prejudices and be willing to meet people with an open mind and God’s love.

4. Sacrifice in mission: Mission work often requires sacrifices in terms of time, emotional energy, and financial resources. It serves as a reminder that mission work is not always comfortable, but it is still of great significance. When we engage in mission, we give a part of ourselves to convey God’s love and hope to others.

5. Trusting in God’s promises: Finally, the commentary encourages us to trust in God’s promises. When we are willing to make sacrifices and engage in mission, we can trust that God will enrich our lives. His blessings are often more abundant than we can imagine.

In conclusion, this commentary invites self-reflection and consideration of the sacrifices God requires from us to share His love with others. It encourages us to overcome our shortcomings and trust in God’s guidance and promises as we engage in mission.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-excuses-to-avoid-mission-5-3-our-excuses-inconvenience/

Here are important aspects of Jonah’s story and how they relate to false perspectives regarding God and mission work. Here are some thoughts on the key points:

1. Influences of the contemporary worldview: The commentary points out that Jonah was likely influenced by the traditional beliefs of his time, which viewed the seas as the realm of demons. This led to a misunderstanding of the nature of God and His sovereignty. It is important to recognize how cultural and religious backgrounds can influence our perception of God.

2. Realization of God’s sovereignty: Jonah learned in his own way that God rules sovereignly over all aspects of creation, including the sea and animals. This realization changed his worldview and led him to confess his guilt and acknowledge God’s providence. It reminds us that God’s sovereignty is not limited to a specific region or culture.

3. Misconceptions about mission and salvation: The commentary addresses significant misconceptions that people often have regarding missionary work and salvation. This includes the idea that success depends on us and that we can save people. It is crucial to understand that our role in mission is to bear witness, share God’s love, and sow seeds of truth. However, conversion and salvation are in God’s hands.

4. Collaborating with God: Lastly, it emphasizes that we are not in the role of the “savior” but rather that we collaborate with God in His work of salvation. We should fulfill our responsibility but also recognize that people’s hearts are ultimately touched and changed by God. Our task is to be tools in God’s hands and convey God’s love and message through our lives and testimony.

Jonah’s story provides valuable lessons about how false perspectives about God and mission can influence our decisions. We should strive to gain a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty and humbly collaborate with Him in His work on Earth.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-excuses-to-avoid-mission-5-2-our-excuses-false-views/

The passage from Nahum and the story of Nineveh, along with the conflict between Assyria and Israel, offer valuable insights into the possible reasons for Jonah’s decision not to go to Nineveh but to flee to Tarshish.

Nineveh was undoubtedly a powerful and magnificent city, but it was also seen as a symbol of corruption, cruelty, and sin. The relationship between Assyria and Israel was characterized by conflicts and threats. The Assyrians were feared enemies, and their brutality and cruelty towards their opponents are well-documented. These circumstances could have triggered significant fear in Jonah’s mind.

Jonah’s decision to flee to Tarshish might, therefore, have stemmed from a deep-rooted fear of the Assyrians and their capital, Nineveh. The idea of going to a city described as a “city of blood” and ruled by such a violent people could have filled Jonah’s heart with dread.

In today’s times, we can learn from Jonah’s experience that fear often hinders us from following God’s instructions. We may find ourselves in similar situations where we are afraid of challenges or tasks that God places before us. However, Jonah’s story reminds us that God is greater than our fears and that He can equip us with the strength and courage we need to fulfill His will.

When we look back on experiences in which we followed God’s call despite our fears, we can learn that God is faithful and strengthens us in our weaknesses. It reminds us that trust and obedience to God’s guidance often lead to amazing and blessed outcomes.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-excuses-to-avoid-mission-5-1-our-excuses-fear/