Paul once said, “For there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:10).  Some people think that God loves the Jews more than everyone else because He separated them from the rest of the world, making them His chosen people (Exodus 19:3-4).  That is not the case.  All that God did with man, after sin entered the world, was the working out of man’s redemption.

The separating of the Jews had to do with God choosing a people from whom the Messiah would come.  It had nothing to do with Him loving some people above others, nor with the salvation of the soul.  It was God’s predestined plan to save both Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 1:1-9).  He has always wanted all people to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

God’s command to send Jonah to the people of Nineveh is proof of this truth.  The city of Nineveh was wicked.    In the first chapter of Jonah, we read of them, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me” (Jonah 1:2).  Throughout history, “great cities” have been known for their crime, corruption, and overall immorality.  Nineveh was no exception.  Yet, it was God’s will that the Ninevites hear His Word and have the opportunity to repent.  After the repentance and deliverance of Jonah, God sends him on his original mission.

Jonah 3:1-2 (ESV)
¹  Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, ²  “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.”

This time Jonah complied by obeying the Lord’s command and took a message of repentance to the Ninevites (vers. 3-4).  God never did want the Jews to keep knowledge of Him to themselves.  He wanted them to be a light to the Gentiles because He cares for the souls of all men.

Psalm 67:1-3 (ESV)
¹ May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, ²  that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. ³  Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!

Knowing that God wants all men to be saved, what should we do about it?  God has commanded us to preach the gospel to all nations.

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
¹⁹  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The question is, will we comply or will we run away from God?  It is easy to pass judgment on Jonah for his unwillingness to do what God told him to do, but are we following his poor example?  If we conclude that Jonah’s original attitude was unloving and inconsiderate, what does it say about us if we refuse to obey the great commission of Christ?  We know God’s desire for all men.  Let us help Him fulfill it.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.