These were the Words of the Lord unto the prophet Jonah.

Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

Jonah 1:1-2

From the words of the Lord unto Jonah, herein we see a structure and an outcome.

The lessons for us today are, first and foremost, it is God who calls an individual, and for His will only is that individual called.

The commission

Hence, the Word of the Lord came unto Jonah. Next, he who is being commissioned is addressed. Therefore, readiness and obedience must be carried out on their part. Let us be ready and arise as Jonah was commanded, and secondly, let us show obedience towards God. Knowing this, wherever He leads us, we will follow. This is faith through trust, which is obedience.

Reaction to the commission

Lastly, readiness is not merely saying yes Lord. More so, to be ready is to know the ways of God. Which is the righteousness of God upon the preacher. Jonah was told by the Lord to preach against the great city of Nineveh because of their sins. Sadly so, today, how can the commission of God go forth when many preachers do not know what sin is, or ignore the appearance of sin?

Endurance to the commission

Are we stagnant in our lives? Let us examine ourselves, in all sincerity toward God and Him only. Success is not predicated upon perfection, but sincerity and trust in the Lord are the parameters wherewith we walk to our greatest call.

It's hard to take the first step

When I don't know the way

Each turn is so uncertain

I learn to walk by faith

But you gave me a promise

That you will never leave

You will lead and guide me

Lord I do believe

Lead me lord

I will follow

Lead me Lord

I will go