“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. 12:41-42).
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. 15:21-28).
In Psalm 51:17 David says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.”
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. 3:10).
Ed.