Jonah 3:1-5 and Mark 1:14-20

“Lights, camera, action!” We’ve heard that expression all our lives (if you are over 50!). And these scriptures are just right for filming or for visualization of some kind.

Jonah is told a second time to go to Ninevah a city with a bad reputation. A big city. “Repent,” is the message. They do and then the story shifts later to Jonah’s less than good attitude about the sinners repenting.

In Mark, while John the Baptist is in jail, Jesus repeats the call to repent since the Kingdom of God is upon us. And to help in getting out the message and the signs of the Kingdom, recruitment of followers and workers is underway. “Come, follow me,” says the Teacher! There is Good News here! There is a word for us today in all this.

Repentance? Getting serious about following Jesus? What would either look like in an “lights, camera, action” world? Can we envision some “change” within us or some outward behavior we have been resisting? Jonah resisted but finally stepped up. On the other hand, the fishermen on the shore responded quickly to the call (they would have their spiritual struggles later).

Where are each and everyone in this great story of God?! Let’s ask ourselves in worship and in mission this week ahead.

Invite someone to worship this October!

Pastor Barry †