A Prophet on the Run
This week, we began our new series in the book of Jonah. Jonah is considered one of the twelve minor prophets. There is every indication that he was a faithful prophet who spoke for God, but one day God asked him to do something that was really hard, and maybe even dangerous. God commanded him to go to Nineveh to preach repentance to them, one of the most corrupt kingdoms on earth. Nineveh was notorious for being brutal and violent to their enemies and so Jonah was filled with prejudice and hatred.
With that in his heart, he chose to run away and we find three core points of the story from Jonah 1:1-16:
The mistakes (v.2-3a)
The phrase “The Word of the Lord” was used seven times in this short book. When this phrase is used, we know that Jonah knew and was familiar with God’s voice. And yet…
1. He refused to obey God’s Word
Is this you? Have you heard God’s voice, clearly and plainly, but have been reluctant to obey? If God has spoken to us, there is no other compelling choice but to obey. The biggest mistake we can make is simply refusing to do what He wants of us as it says in 1 Samuel:
“To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22).
2. He attempted to flee from God’s presence
It was bad enough that Jonah chose to disobey God, but he made another mistake: he attempted to flee God’s presence. How foolish for anyone to think they can run from God? Yet, don’t we find ourselves trying to flee from God too, in hard or shameful times? We are reminded by the words of the Psalmist:
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7).
The choice (v.3)
Jonah could have done the right thing, but he chose not to. This wasn’t a decision that he made on a whim or an impulse. The Bible says that “he went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare…” (v.3a). At every point in this story - as he went to Joppa, as he went to find the right ship, as he paid the fare - Jonah could have changed his mind.
However, it seems Jonah put aside sound reasoning. When the storm arose and the sailors feared for their lives, Jonah told them the storm was because of him. They said; “What have you done? (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.” (v.10). In other words, they were astounded, at disbelief asking, “what were you thinking?” That was Jonah’s problem, he was not thinking; he had put reasoning aside.
We always have choices laid before us and sadly, when there are big decisions to make, we let fear grip us. We allow ourselves to fall into Satan’s trap in blurring our thinking. We need to be careful that we don’t fall into the same trap, which can only be done through prayerful submission to God.
The consequences (v.4-16)
When we choose our path over God’s path, we will always lose. When we stray or willfully choose to disregard God’s will, there are absolutely clear consequences in our lives. Here are five consequences that befell Jonah that can befall you too:
It affects more than just you (v.4-5)
It allows us to become disconnected to God and His will for us (v.5a-6)
It causes you to miss opportunities to witness (v.8-10)
It can ultimately cause you to give up (v.11-12)
It can lead unfair grief to others (v.13-16)
Here is the beginning truth for each of us as we look at the book of Jonah. It would be unwise of us to think we’re better than Jonah, much like how Jonah thought he was better than the population of Ninevah. We fall into the same traps as Jonah, missing out on God’s best for us and more importantly, God’s best for those who can be blessed by your faithful obedience. Let’s acknowledge Jonah’s story as an inspiration for us all, knowing that all people have fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). This is your reminder that Jesus has commanded all believers to be witnesses for his his kingdom.
If you feel convicted by Jonah’s story, don’t leave it at conviction. It’s a good day to repent and make a new start.
Dear Father,
I thank you for Your Word that you teach us an important lesson through Jonahs’ life. Lord, we are sorry for the times we’ve tried to run away from You, Your call or Your presence. Forgive us for not realising that our disobedience would lead to dire consequences, even destruction. Help me, Holy Spirit, to repent and turn back to the calling that God has for me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.