OPENING ILLUSTRATION: God revived me when I went to work in the Middle East. Till then I was just a lukewarm and laidback Christian. I saw the great need for the Gospel of Christ to be proclaimed to the so many lost souls there. They had no idea that they were perishing and there was only one way out – Jesus. Someone had to give them the word. In complete reluctance, I said I am here, I will go. Are you Revived?
INTRODUCTION: Today, we delve into the heart of an ancient but ever-relevant story found in Jonah 3:1-10, where we observe a seismic shift in the spiritual landscape of Nineveh, prompted by Jonah's prophetic warning. This is a story of one man’s reluctant obedience that changed the destiny of one nation. This narrative depicts how a rebellious nation is transformed by the shortest undiluted message ever spoken by a runaway prophet.
Imagine a city so entrenched in its ways that the very notion of change seems radical, if not impossible. Yet, through the obedience of Jonah, a reluctant prophet, and the subsequent repentance of the Ninevites, we witness one of the most powerful revivals in biblical history. This account isn't just a testament to Nineveh's transformation but serves as a compelling invitation for us to reconsider what revival means in our lives today. Revival is not something we can manufacture; it is a divine move of God that begins in the hearts of His people.
As we venture into this narrative, let's open our hearts to the possibility of renewal and change, not only as individuals but as a community. What can we learn from Jonah's mission and Nineveh's response? How can their story inspire a deeper, more genuine pursuit of spiritual revival in our own contexts?
WHAT IS THE WAY TO REVIVAL?
1. REVIVAL REQUIRES OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S CALL (Jonah 3:1-4)
"Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.’ Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh." (Jonah 3:1-3a)
Revival begins with God calling His people. Jonah’s mission to Nineveh was not his own idea; it was a divine mandate. True revival starts when God’s people stop running away, as Jonah did initially, and begin to walk in obedience to His Word.
• THE PRIORITY OF GOD’S WORD: God gave Jonah a specific message to proclaim. Revival is rooted in the power of God's Word, not human ideas or methods. Jonah did not preach what was popular—he preached what God had given him.
• THE IMPORTANCE OF OBEDIENCE: Jonah obeyed "the second time" after his failure and repentance. This shows us that God can still use us despite our past rebellion or mistakes. Personal obedience is the spark that ignites revival.
• THE CALL TO GO: True revival begins with a willingness to GO where God sends. Jonah was called to Nineveh, a city infamous for its wickedness, and yet he went. God often calls His people to move toward the areas of greatest spiritual need. Are you willing to obey His call?
If we want revival, it will require us to humbly and wholeheartedly obey God's leading, even when it's uncomfortable or costly.
2. REVIVAL DEMANDS HUMBLE REPENTANCE (Jonah 3:5-9)
"The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth." (Jonah 3:5)
When the people of Nineveh heard God’s message, they responded in extraordinary humility. True revival always involves acknowledgment of sin, repentance, and a turning back to God.
• FAITH IN GOD’S MESSAGE: The Ninevites believed God’s Word, not Jonah’s personality. Revival happens when people are convicted by the truth of Scripture.
• CORPORATE RESPONSE: The entire city—from the king to the commoners—turned to God in repentance. This unity of purpose demonstrates how revival can permeate every level of society.
• SIGNS OF REPENTANCE: The people fasted, put on sackcloth, and cried out to God in earnest repentance. True repentance is always accompanied by visible evidence of change.
• LEADERSHIP IN REPENTANCE: The king of Nineveh led by example, humbling himself before God. Spiritual revival often begins when leaders—whether in families, churches, or communities—take the lead in repentance and prayer.
Are we willing to humble ourselves, confess our sins, and turn away from unrighteousness? Revival begins with repentance, both individually and collectively.
3. REVIVAL BRINGS MERCY AND GRACE (Jonah 3:10)
"When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened."
The final step in the way to revival is experiencing the mercy and grace of God.
• GOD SEES TRUE REPENTANCE: The key to this verse is that God "saw" the Ninevites' actions. Their repentance was genuine, and it moved God’s heart. Revival always brings life-changing transformation that is evident to both God and others.
• GOD’S RELENTING: God did not change His nature or His character; rather, the people of Nineveh changed their relationship to Him. They went from being subjects of His wrath to recipients of His mercy. Revival creates a new spiritual reality where God’s mercy is poured out over a redeemed people.
• GOD’S GRACE TO JONAH AND NINEVEH: Just as Jonah was given a second chance, God gave an entire city a second chance. This is the heart of our God—He desires to restore, redeem, and revive. Revival happens when we align our hearts with God’s mercy and grace.
APPLICATION: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US TODAY?
• ARE WE LISTENING TO GOD’S CALL? Are we willing to obey when God calls us to share His message, just as Jonah did? Revival requires messengers who are faithful and surrendered.
• ARE WE BROKEN IN REPENTANCE? Just as Nineveh humbled itself before God, we must also acknowledge our sin and turn from it. Are we willing to repent both individually and as a collective body of believers?
• DO WE BELIEVE THAT GOD CAN BRING REVIVAL? If God could revive Nineveh—a violent, pagan city—He can revive our homes, our churches, and our nations. Let us pray and believe in His power to transform.
• WILL WE LEAD BY EXAMPLE? Just as the king of Nineveh led his people in repentance, we are called to lead others toward repentance and faith in God. It starts with us.
CONCLUSION: ALIGNING WITH GOD’S HEART FOR REVIVAL
The story of Jonah and Nineveh reminds us that God is compassionate and longs to bring revival—even to the darkest places. But revival requires something from us: obedience, repentance, and faith in His power.
If we desire to see revival, we must surrender our hearts to Him fully and be willing to stand as His instruments of change. Let us commit to doing our part—proclaiming His Word, turning from our sins, and crying out for His mercy.
May we, like Jonah, hear God’s call and obey, leading our cities and nations back to Him so that we may experience His abundant revival.
CALL TO ACTION:
• Are you running like Jonah?
• Are you resisting like Nineveh once did?
• Or are you ready to respond?
Let revival begin — not just in your city, but in your soul.
