Septic Tanks

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd May 8, 2016 - Filed in Devotional - 10,285 views
  God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way. God relented of the disaster which he said he would do to them, and he didn't do it. But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. Jonah 3:10 WEB
  
  There is nothing quite like cracking open a septic tank first thing in the morning, especially during a hot summer in the South. When you get a whiff of the fresh sewage, it will not be a pleasant aroma, but I can tell you that it will be a lasting one. For a period of my life, that is what I did to earn a living, pumping out septic tanks with a vacuum truck. We would often do five or six a day.
  
  One thing that I soon noticed was this: they all smelled alike. Whether it was a church, a country club, a mansion on a hill, or a trailer park, when you opened up the septic tank, they all had the exact same smell coming out of them, and it reeked.
  
  Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh and preach, but God persuaded him to go anyway. After Jonah delivered his message of destruction, the entire city repented of their wicked ways and turned to God. He showed them mercy and spared them from the coming destruction. This made Jonah angry because Nineveh did not get what they deserved.
  
  When God looked down, they all smelled alike. Sin is bad and everyone has it. There is no need to point at someone else's for God is nearly heaving from the smell of yours, unless you are covered by the blood of Jesus.
  
  It took me a long time to figure out that God did not dislike the same people that I did, and that the people that have wronged us will get the same forgiveness that we do if they just ask for it. All of their past deeds will be wiped out if they repent, just like ours will.
  
  It is not that people are good, it is because God is good. Before, during, and after a divorce, God loves both parties involved and wishes that none would ever be lost. God loves you, those that dislike you, and those that vote differently from you. None that repent will get what they deserve. Mankind has a lot in common, we all need forgiveness. Thank God it is there for the asking and completely free.
  
  Prayer: Father, please forgive me for judging others and help me clean up my own life first. Thank You for having mercy on us and give me grace to show that mercy to others, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: Good morning and happy Mother''s Day! May you all have a very blessed day, especially the moms!