A Journey to Easter - Day 25

The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because their wickedness has confronted Me.” However, Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish, from the Lord’s presence.

(Jonah 1:1-3 HCSB)

Jonah has got to be the most hilarious chapter in the Bible! It reads much like the chase of lion and mouse when everyone sees the foolishness of the mouse… except the mouse.

God said, “Go!” (Jonah 1:2). And Jonah essentially said, “No!”

I don’t recall any other prophet having such a rotten attitude. One whose values were such a jumbled mess. Who openly defied God and blatantly revolted—all because he loathed the mercy of God. But you have to wait until you get to chapter four before you find out the reason for his rebellion (Jonah 4:2).

Where there’s a “but Jonah,” a “but God” follows (or vice versa). It’s a key theme throughout.

God exhibited great patience (as He does with us all). He extended grace in sending a great storm, believing sailors (who suffered because of Jonah’s rebellion), and a great fish, all to change his defiant attitude. Jonah wasn’t living up to his purpose. Or potential. A great change needed to occur in his heart. And in his understanding of God!

Jonah knew God was pursuing him in the storm (Jonah 1:12). Could it be that he wanted to be thrown overboard, to sink to the depths, only to flee further from God?

But God took hold of Jonah for three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17). God worked a miracle in Jonah’s heart—which moved him to pray. He confessed God’s grace to rescue him (Jonah 2:6) and offered thanksgiving (Jonah 2:9). God’s will became his will. Then “the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land” (Jonah 2:10).

God’s second command to go was issued to Jonah and Jonah obeyed (Jonah 3:2-3). The Ninevites responded to God’s call to repentance (Jonah 3:5) and the king issued a proclamation to the citizens to fast and pray, to turn and “give up their evil ways” (Jonah 3:8). “Then God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—so God relented from the disaster He had threatened to do to them” (Jonah 3:10).

But Jonah. Jonah resented it (Jonah 4:1). The old attitude returned, along with the audacity to condemn God for grace (Jonah 4:2). Jonah’s resentment was so extreme, he begged God to take his life (Jonah 4:3). But God. God didn’t strike him dead for such obstinance. He tried to reason with him (Jonah 4:4). But Jonah. Jonah would have none of it! He stormed off—again (Jonah 4:5). But God. God still extended mercy by providing comfort in the scorching heart (Jonah 4:6). Always teaching, God removed the vine. And Jonah became angry.

The chapter abruptly ends on a sad note. Unresolved. With God still trying to change his heart. And with Jonah still rebellious and resentful.

How many life stories end similarly—with God pursuing and persuading? But a beloved remains reluctant to receive grace? Let’s end today’s journey praying fervently for a “But God” in their life.

#AJourneytoEaster

#LentPilgrimage