God gives him an assignment and Jonah runs. In the opposite direction.
Sails away on the next ship.
Hiding.
From the all-seeing, all-knowing. God of the universe.
Jonah’s disobedience rocks the boat. Impacts those around him. Striking terror in the hearts of men.
They see what the Maker of heaven and earth can do.
Prodigal prophet
Sailors toss the prophet overboard. At his insistence.
And Jonah sinks. To the heart of the sea.
Lands. In the belly of a fish sent by God.
So there he is.
Stuck in the deep. Prodigal in a holding cell. Thinking over his options. And his calling.
It’s enough to make a prodigal prophet accept the consequences.
Rescue
Yet. Jonah cries out. Asks for help. Makes a promise.
“I will sacrifice to You with a voice of thanksgiving. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation belongs to the Lord” (Jonah 2:9).
And God hears.
Answers.
Rescues.
Perspective
You’d think the whole storm and fish scenario would change his perspective.
But soon we see.
After all that, Jonah is still not fully on board. With God’s plan.
Oh, he preaches the message to Nineveh. Delivers the warning.
But when the whole city falls on their faces in repentance, God relents.
And Jonah gripes.
Ordinary people
The Word of God is true.
And tells the stories of real people in history. We see the faults and failures, the pride and self-righteousness. Weakness. Grumbling.
And yet He continues to choose ordinary people.
To fulfill His purpose.
And deliver His message to a lost and dying world.
Yes, Lord
Will we run the opposite direction?
Or walk forward in obedience?
Will we grumble when sinners don’t get what they deserve?
Or rejoice in a God of grace and mercy “who saved a wretch like me.”
Will we humble ourselves before our Maker and say, “Yes, Lord”?
“Salvation belongs to the Lord” (Jonah 2:9).
What about you?
Have you ever run away from God’s assignment? How did He call you to repentance and obedience?
Related
Yes, Lord – No ordinary life – Runaway prophet – Unexpected ways – Exiles – Crowds – Book of Jonah – Jonah 2:9 –
4 replies on “Jonah”
Yes I have run away from the assignment I thought He had for me. He continues to be with me and bless me.
Thank you for sharing. He’s a good Father!
I’m in Numbers and the times Israel rebelled against God and Moses are plainly described.
But I notice Moses begging God for mercy and forgiveness for the people and the observation that Moses was humble.
It brought me to prayer for fellowship leaders in a fresh way.
This post confirms that those who are following God’s call need support!
Indeed! Thanks for sharing from your time in the Word, sister.