TOTL (Jonas)

TOTL (Jonas)

Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.

On a previous occasion we learned about the reason behind the appearance of the TOTL. God sends it to a predominant nation or nations once sin and transgression has accumulated and gone beyond its prescribed limit. It is to serve as a notification to that nation and the world that repentance and transformation is required. Once the TOTL is received that predominant nation now has two choices on how this repentance and transformation will occur. First, by becoming aware of their transgressions and humbly repenting; they can accomplish it peaceably and willingly. Or they can choose the second option; they can refuse to admit error and choose not to repent. When this occurs, the repentance and transformation that is required will then be brought about by further devastation and destruction. Now, as we have stated before, the second option is generally the most preferred way. But this is not always the case. In very rare instances a nation will humbly repent and transform after the arrival of the TOTL. And because of this act God will prolong its life.

Although destruction and devastation may be man's preferred option, it is not God's. He does not gain anything from the destruction of his creation. God prefers that man should turn away from his transgressions and live. He makes this point clear in Ezekiel 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. But, God can only give to man what man asks for. Man is given a free will; therefore, God does not force man to do anything against that will. But at the same time, man must come to realise that there are consequences for all of his decisions, actions, and inactions. God has instituted laws which govern this universe. The operation of these laws are not based on self designation and association. They are based on your decisions, actions, and inactions.

In the story of Jonas, we find that rare instance where a predominant nation makes the correct decision and decides to go against man's preferred but foolish way. They did not choose the way of repentance and transformation by devastation and destruction. Instead, by admitting error and humbly repenting, they chose to avoid further ruination. And because of this action, God prolongs their life.

If you will study Jonas you will find all of the elements that we have previously discussed. First, we have a predominant or lead nation which is in its latter days. Nineveh as the lead or predominant nation of Jonah's day is known as the "great city,"(Jonas 1:2). As the "great city" it had great influence and sway throughout the sphere. It was a nation that was known for its violence, evil, and flagrant violations of established laws (Jonas 3:8). During its latter years, the accumulation of these transgressions and violations had surpassed their prescribed limits (Jonas 1:2).

Secondly, we have a Messias. Though many may not be aware of it, Jonas is a type of Savior or Messias. If you will recall from TOTL Assignation (Heralding Messias) in order to qualify as a Savior or Messias, an individual must save a nation from a state of danger or destruction or bring salvation. Even though he was reluctant, through his preaching Jonas brought salvation to the nation of Nineveh.

Thirdly, we have the TOTL. Even as Jonas seeks to escape his duty, the TOTL still goes before him (Jonah 1:4-10). Now, contrary to popular doctrine, Jonas' attempt to elude his duty did not bring the mighty tempest in the sea. The tempest in the story is the TOTL. It is triggered by the accumulation of Nineveh's violations and not Jonas attempted evasion. This mistake can be traced back to the verses of (Jonas 1:7-8). Jonah 1:7 And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil [is] upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. Jonah 1:8 Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil [is] upon us; What [is] thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what [is] thy country? and of what people [art] thou?

Many have interpreted these verses as saying; " who caused this evil." If you will study closely you will see that this is not the case. The verses state; "for whose cause this evil is upon us." In those verses cause is not used as a transitive verb. Cause is used as a noun, If you will also notice in verse 8, after the cast lot had fallen on Jonas, they now ask him the same question. This lets us know that the question had not been previously answered. If the lots were cast to ascertain who caused the calamity to fall upon them, then there is no need to reiterate the question. But this is not the case. In this instance, the men in essence were asking Jonas to tell them, for whose purpose is this evil for. They had already known that it was caused by a god, but they did not know which god. They later find out that it was purposed for The True and Living God.

Fourthly, we have the xenophobia. If you will notice in verses 9-10, the men became exceedingly afraid after Jonas tells them that he is a Hebrew. In verse 10 they even go as far as to accuse him for their misfortune.

Finally, we have that rare instance where a predominant nation chooses to humble itself, admit wrong, and repent. Even before Jonas has finished preaching, the people humbled themselves, proclaimed a fast and began to repent (Jonas 3:4). Then the king humbles himself and sends a decree that all should repent (Jonas 3:7-9). It is important that we know that the repentance of the Ninevites did not stop God's judgement. They were still judged. But due to their actions of repentance, the judgement is changed from devastation and destruction to preservation. In other words the restoration of the Ninevites' Productive Fear began to hinder, impede, restrain, and check Death while it simultaneously controlled, led, and redirected them back to Life. Now, there is one more thing that we should notice from the repentance of the Ninevites. Notice and meditate on the order of repentance. First the people repented (Jonas 3:5), then the king repented (Jonas 3: 6-9). We shall discuss this order of repentance at a later time.

"Without the change of action, there can be no repentance."


Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live

Ezekiel 18:28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Ezekiel 18:30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.