“The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here” (Matt. 12:41-4241The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. 42The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. (Matthew 12:41‑42)).
What was it that saved the people of Nineveh? They acted in faith upon the prophet Jonah’s warning and repented. What was it that brought blessing and joy to the heart of the Queen of Sheba? She submitted to one Solomon whose glory was far greater than her own. These two things repentance and submission are very important keys to happiness in a Christian’s life.
The Lord Jesus, speaking of Himself to the Jews, said, “A greater than Jonas... a greater than Solomon is here.” He, infinitely greater in Person, glory, power and love, was ready to bring the promised time of rich blessing to the suffering nation of Israel. But two things were standing in the way of the promised blessings made to the fathers. The Jews would not repent of their rebellion against Jehovah and His rightful claims over them, and they would not submit their haughty hearts—hearts which desperately sought for earthly glory to the glory (seen by faith) of the Messiah who stood in their midst.
The Lord graciously uttered those probing words that their conscience might be exercised. Though the inhabitants of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba were despised Gentiles, their repentant and submissive spirits qualified them for the rich blessings they received.
We also see many bright examples of these two principles in the New Testament. The despised publican repented before God, owning what he was a sinner and went home eternally blessed (Luke 18:914). The despised Gentile mother whose daughter was grievously possessed with a demon received the desire of her heart when she humbled herself in the presence of His glory (Matt. 15:21-2821Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 28Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (Matthew 15:21‑28)).
Today, believers can also enjoy individually, in families and in assemblies the same rich fruits of blessing by walking in a spirit of repentance and submission. Surely God delights in blessing His children who walk in this obedient spirit!
“Prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal. 3:1010Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10)).
Ed.