God extends His grace to whomever He wants. Even though Israel was chosen by God for a special purpose He was involved in the affairs of others. Christians, like Jonah, have to have a higher patriotism. The Kingdom of God must take precedence over our personal allegiance to our native land. Some prophecies are conditional. God’s actions are based on human response. When God calls someone to His service that person gives up his or her rights to self-determination. The duty to the will of God is absolute. God can use the most unlikely messengers to bring about His plan.

Gary Petty

Beyond Today Presenter, United Church of God Pastor

Gary Petty is a 1978 graduate of Ambassador College with a BS in mass communications. He worked for six years in radio in Pennsylvania and Texas. He was ordained a minister in 1984 and has served congregations in Longview and Houston Texas; Rockford, Illinois; Janesville and Beloit, Wisconsin; and San Antonio, Austin and Waco, Texas. He presently pastors United Church of God congregations in Nashville, Murfreesboro and Jackson, Tennessee.