07.03.2026 Saturday
Then God saw their works and relented
Jonah 3:10 (NKJV) Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.
God is watching the earth from heaven all the time. His eyes fall on each individual, Government and nation.
Jonah was sent to preach the message of repentance to Nineveh.
He did not bother about the destruction that was to come upon the people but just like a robot he did what was commanded. Even after God rescuing him from a great danger, he did not have compassion for the people of Nineveh.
He was waiting to see the destruction coming on them. He would have thought this will add credibility to his prophecy and it will be a proof that he was a true prophet sent by God.
But God’s ways are different. He is looking for a loophole to rescue every single individual from damnation.
After Jonah preached, the reactions of the people were different. They started turning to God. It was reflected in their works.
God saw their “WORKS “
Our works speak louder than our words. James says,
James 2:17 (NKJV) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
God always look at our works, not at our words.
Because our words may change.
Work done is done. It cannot be changed.
We express our faith through these works.
What work did the Ninevites do to impress God?
The Bible doesn’t give a detailed list, but Jonah 3:5-10 says a few things:
1. They fasted (v. 5)
2. They put on sackcloth (v. 5) – a sign of mourning and repentance
3. The king called for a fast wearing sackcloth (v. 7)
4. They turned from their evil ways (v. 8, 10)
5. God saw their works v. 10) – implying actions showed their repentance was real.
By these verses, we come to know that every work of faith is marked in heaven.
Just like the Ninevites‘ actions showed their repentance was real, we can express our faith through everyday works too.
Whether it is a small act of kindness, sharing with someone in need, or reconciling with others, these actions speak louder than words. For example
1. Kneeling in prayer like the Nineviteshumbled themselves
2. Sharing a testimony like Jonah shared the message
3. Sharing something in your possession with someone
4. Making a call to reconcile with some one who is offended by you.
5. Visiting a person who needs encouragement etc.
God would not have listened to their words or prayers anymore. But they did something which was powerful enough to impress God’s heart . He relented from doing the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.
There are other incidents in Bible where people’s faith expressed in action. Actions of thanksgiving, repentance etc.
Gen 29:31 And when Jehovah saw that Leah was hated, even He opened her womb. But Rachel was barren.
When the Lord saw the actions of Jacob and Rachel both hating Leah, the Lord turned to Leah’s side and showed mercy to her.
Luk 15:20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
When the prodigal son took a step in action (arose and came), his father ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
Luk 17:15-16, 19 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back and glorified God with a loud voice. And he fell down on his face at His feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan.
Luk 17:19 And He said to him, Rise and go; your faith has cured you.
The Samaritan’s action (turned back to glorify God, fell down on his face at His feet) was not only healed of leprosy but was also saved i.e. received healing in soul and spirit.
Luk 19:8-9 And Zaccheus stood and said to the Lord, Behold, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor. And in anything I accused anyone falsely, I restore it fourfold. And Jesus said to him, This day salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.
Zacchaeus’ action promises restitution.
Sr.Angelica