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.
Wow. This is so beautiful. I needed it. What really sticks out to me– even though it's a little further ahead in reading– is that Jonah's rebellion eventually brings the men on the boat to praise and revere God (vs 16). Even in our own rebellion, even in our failings and mistakes, God works it all for His glory. Not that He wants us to mess up, and I'm hesitant to say that He willed us to mess up, because that's not quite right… but it's all within His will– He's sovereign over it, he redeems all of it. It's amazing. SO comforting. I love you, Lord.
This is a random cover of a song that totally reminds me of Jonah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWubcEcrpBo
I’ve been running so this is ever so timely as I am still resisting the temptation to run. I’m being blessed by this. I would request we refrain from such stereotypes as “run like a girl”. I got stuck there for a more than a moment.
I think this part of Jonah's story also reminds us that our disobedience isn't just about us. It affects those around us as well.
"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."
Just what I needed to hear. All too often, I get overwhelmed and consumed with thoughts that I am an inadequate wife and that my husband deserves better. This was really encouraging to read and liberating, too.
I so longingly waited 4 2day’s Post;bt it neva came..had 2 log on 2 SRT jst 2 b a part of it;shws hw desperate I ws 2 hear dis sweet words from each of u;Several tyms I’ve tried running bt God stl got a hold of me evn in my deepest mess;Yes Specific calling dts wht I got frm God wen I gv ma life 2 Christ;he gv me d wonderful gift of prophecy;am 24yrs;n most tym I ask myself who am I dt God shld giv me dis awesome duty 2 edify his people n I knw countless tyms I’ve ran;I’ve shunned him cos I feel its a great task..I cnt do dis;am 2 young…2day I’ve realised he Choose me 4 dis purpose..am elated.mks me think of jeremiah1-5 ‘b4 I formed u in d womb I knew u;n b4 u were born I sanctified u;I ordained u a prophet to al nations”..#God knew me#…
To all mothers ere;if u kip praying n standing in d Gap 4 ur daughters God wl surely see dem tru n reachout 2 dem one day evn if dey are lost;am a living testimony;cos mama had alwz bn dere;guidance;protection;prayers so mch mre;she jst lik d provb 31woman;who stands 4 her family;I’ve had issues wit her;bt wen I saw awesomeness of God I realized all dt my mama wanted 4 me;(immense luv wit Christ)..so b strong n b of good courage 4 God’s wit u’;u n ur family are of d lord..’
So 2day readn abt Jonah;I’ve reflected greatly on ma life n I’ve realized God won’t stop until he gets u @ dt point he wants u 2 b;n he wl use u 2 affect d life of dose arnd u…I believe In d luv of Christ 4 me;Amen…
Nothing or noone can escape God's presence. He is all present and all things are naked in His sight.
I just realized something. Jonah is hard-headed! In verse two, The Lord commands Jonah to "get up and go." The captain in verse six shouts to Jonah, "get up and pray!" Let's just say, it seems like Jonah is always off in lala land doing something else instead of paying attention to what's happening around him. Hmmm, sounds like somebody I know… Me!
Our calling is not to be this perfect Christian but rather to just be who we are in Christ…. This just dawned upon me. Often times when I read the stories of the prophets in the Old Testament I begin to think that "my" calling will be this great thing that God has clearly called me to do. I found my self with the mentality that I am just gonna sit around and wait for Gods calling for my life but in doing that I think I was missing all along that God needs me to be me. The story of Jonah is opening my eyes to this. He made me exactly the way I am, he knows me through and through. And he plans to use me just the way I am whether I like it or not. Help me sisters, am I getting the idea?
Amen, Nafisara. We are not a sub-standard or an above-standard version of ourselves. We are EXACTLY what He created us to be. We need to be joyful in how He created us and be obedient to His calling. I think you 'GOT THE IDEA' perfectly.