a fierce and awesome pursuit
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Jonah 1:4-10
BY Guest Writer
Text: Jonah 1:4-10
So Jonah fled from the presence of the Lord.
And God pursued him like only the Creator and Lord of the sea could: with a furious ocean tempest! This narrative of this story just begs for the big screen. I mean, picture Jonah sleeping in a tiny boat, the sky grey and heavy with the strength of the Lord Almighty. And God is fierce and awesome in His pursuit.
God is also loving in his pursuit. He could’ve crushed Jonah under a tremendous sea surge and found another man. Jonah was such a stinker, right? God gave him a clear instruction, something we all (kind of) long for, and he ran like a little girl in the other direction.
But God fiercely and lovingly pursues Jonah; consider what happens in this passage.
He rouses up the wind and the sea to get Jonah’s attention. He moves the sailors to call out to their gods for help, and then incites the sailors to ferret out Jonah’s secret. And finally, God shows His will in the casting of lots.
God wanted Jonah. Goodness, isn’t that amazing? I sometimes feel like I’m a sub-standard version of the person who should actually be living my life. And the truth is, I do fall short. Probably there is someone who would be a better mother to my kids, wife to my husband, friend to my friends. But despite my imperfections and failings, I am the best mother for my children, wife to my husband, and I am the best friend to my friends! Because God gives specific callings to specific people. That means God wants me for my particular calling and life.
And we can’t escape God and His storm gale of purpose.
“Where could I run away from your presence…?
If I… lived far across the sea,
even there your hand would… take hold of me.”
Psalm 139:7-10
Guest writer Rebecca Faires teaches German and theatre, raises four sweet children, and kisses her husband. Hallelujah.
66 thoughts on "a fierce and awesome pursuit"
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I am struck by the fact that Jonah finds rest in the midst of the running … In the midst if this spiritual angst…. In the midst of pursuit. God gives us silence and rest and new mercies even on our fleeing.
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This verse was referenced when reading Jonah 1- Psalm 107:23-32.
23 Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;
24 they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep.
25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea.
26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight;
27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end.
28 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
29 He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.
31 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
32 Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. -
I so needed to hear this….. Sometimes you go to work and you feel like you didn't get anything accomplished, we'll – that was my day: wild, very busy, head spinning, trying to do three things at the same time…….. Thank -you God for making me for the place of work I am at now thank – you for pursuing me when I 'get lost', and thank – you God for making those tasks I did today for me……
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Beautifully worded. Thank you, Rebecca!
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