One new follower of the Lord Jesus Christ received a Bible in her language. She kissed the Bible and wept saying: “We are not allowed to worship, enter a place of worship, see or touch a sacred book. But you have given us the Holy Bible as a gift. The Bible is a great gift to humanity, which ought to be received with joy and loving obedience. People who are deprived of the Word of God, have high esteem for the Word of God.
Chosen people: “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai.” (Jonah 1:1) During Jonah’s time there would have been thousands of people in Israel, and millions around the world. God’s word did not come to all the millions but to one person Jonah. What a privilege! Those who get the opportunity to receive the Word should believe and obey.
Go and share: Jonah received the Word to go and share it with the people of the city of Nineveh. The word of God benefits all who are willing to listen. It is also the responsibility of those who have received the Word to share it with others. However, Jonah did not want to share the message with the people of Nineveh. Jonah was reluctant to share the Word, he was punished, then he went to Nineveh. Many disciples are reluctant like Jonah.
Ignored Elite: God did not speak with the elite who were political, religious, social, and administrative leaders: Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod tetrarch, Philip Tetrarch, Lysanias Tetrarch, High priests Annas and Caiaphas. Instead, the Word of God came to John the Baptist. (Luke 3:1-3)
World Wise reject: People who consider themselves wise, tend to reject the Word of God. But such wise people will be put to shame. (Jeremiah 8:9) God chose the foolish to shame the wise of the world. (I Corinthians 1:27) Foolish people have faith to receive the Word, Wordly wise people were foolish, proud, self-sufficient, and lacked faith that they rejected the Word.
Am I in the Receivers group or Rejectors group?