Jonah and Beyond

While joyfully romping in revelation, it recently became clear I had visited the land of Jonah without realization. “What, God? Really?! Ugh!” were the thoughts that began filling my mind initially, but soon beauty in the midst claimed control as the sunny yellow flowers of faith began rising.

Now Yahweh’s word came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach against it, for their wickedness has come up before me.”

Jonah 1:1-2 WEB

It sounds clear as a bell…

ding ding!

Yet, Jonah found himself running away, fleeing from the very One who had his back. This is the One, God Almighty, who cared immensely for Jonah and each of the people of Nineveh, the ones He hand made. He cared enough to send one lone voice, his beloved Jonah, to cry “wrong way, turn and be saved!” He desired to send one….to save many. (120,000 in Nineveh) Jonah, however, did not have the same intense desire or concern for others.

Clear as crystal was the call, yet Jonah stashed it in a cabinet far away from view and placed his fleshly desire on the cake pedestal instead, fleeing from the goodness of the Lord. Placed on his pedestal was Jonah’s selfish desire. Yes, emotional decisions were made all in the name of “ME”. His desire to please his will, not God, brought forth a rise of trouble and nearly the demise of 120,000. Somehow he missed having the heart of God.

Those who regard lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

Jonah 2:8 WEB
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or as the Amplified says:

Those who pay regard to false, useless, and worthless idols forsake their own [Source of] mercy and loving-kindness.

Jonah 2:8 AMP

As this false and worthless idol rises to the pedestal, Jonah finds himself burning with anger. You can almost hear him shaking his finger at God, pursing his lips and saying “Uh huh! That’s just what I thought would happen. I go and tell these people to beware, destruction is coming. Then, YOU come along with your grace and compassion and deliver them because YOU are slow to anger and abound in love. What about me? What do I look like now? What a waste of my time!”

Jonah trudges away angry, sitting outside the city in a self-made peasant’s palace. We would be wise to learn from this palace. The “things” we make: ministries, plans, gifts, escape routes out of situations, etc. are nothing but novice compared to the handiwork of the Almighty. Our best will look nothing but least in the shadow of HIS work. Wouldn’t it be better to just hand the control and emotions over to the Lord of Lords and allow Him to see us through?

Jonah sat outside the city, as if viewing a movie of,

“What will Happen Next to those Dreaded Ninevites?”

Was he waiting for their destruction, secretly hoping they would be gone and out of his life forever? Poof! Do we sometimes do that? Do we purposefully avoid contact with those who are difficult to love because it suits our needs instead? Do we sit “comfortably” in our peasant palaces while they walk steadfastly toward destruction? All the while we sit and lick “our” wounds, caring little to nothing about the Ninevites we’ve been called to. It can be so easy, yet there is much at stake for ourselves and others. Our idols of: “But, how will I look?”, “I’m afraid to say that.”, “I don’t care about them!” will stifle us into complacency, far from the grip of love. Yet, as we sit reminded, His loves conquers all.

What is your call from the Lord for today? For life? Do you know? Are you willing to go? Isn’t it time we get beyond Jonah? It might be cleaning toilets: go and do well. It might be homeschooling children: go and do well. It might be a call to a specific occupation: go and do well. You may be called to speak the truth in love to someone, an uncomfortable situation for you: go and do well, or you may be called to go to those who are not easy to love: go and do well. He is faithful, abounding in grace and mercy for both you and the one(s) He’s sending you to. He cares that much for “them” and you that He chooses to use you to bring forth life to them, what a privilege!

He is faithful and loving toward all He has made. (PS 145:13) How wonderful that we have this promise to trust in! Just as He truly didn’t let Jonah or Nineveh down, He won’t relinquish us either. Oh, there’s so much more to add to this, but I think it’s a book! So, it’ll be left for another time. But, if you’re willing, won’t you please pray the following with me?

Father God, I am Yours and am ever so grateful. Thank You for being my Lord. Just as You directed Jonah, I know You have direction for my life in order to touch others. I search You now, knowing You’re faithful to provide and willing to save. May my heart love and reach out to others as You love and reach others. May my life be Yours and be lived accordingly. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.