Jonah and the whale is one of the most familiar and loved stories in the Bible. It also explains vividly the danger of running from God. First, Jonah is a man of God. He’s a prophet. He knows when God speaks. We don’t know how Jonah received the instruction to go to Nineveh, but it was made clear! Nineveh was not the ideal vacation destination. It was 500 miles away and across dangerous lands governed by ruthless people. The city itself was fortified by the Assyrians who were known for skinning people alive as an act of torture. Jonah is to carry a message telling the people of Nineveh that they have 40 days and then God is going to destroy their city because of their wickedness. Not good news! God says “go” and Jonah says “no.” He ran in the opposite direction. It’s a fact that if you are not running toward God (obedience), you are running away from Him (disobedience).

When you cruise away from God, you can expect to pay the price. It will cost you! The ship Jonah boards is overwhelmed by a terrible storm at sea. All aboard the ship are in fear for their lives. After figuring out Jonah is the problem, they chuck him overboard, the sea calms, and the sailors are saved. Your disobedience puts others in danger, as well as yourself. When you cruise away from God you will become fish food. Jonah has lost his way and is swallowed by a great fish. He doesn’t know where he is initially. When he finally realizes his situation, he cries out to God, seeks forgiveness and promises to be obedient. Because God is gracious, loving, merciful and full of compassion, when you cruise away from God, you are given 2^nd chances, and you better take the 2^nd chance. God has the fish spit Jonah out on the beach. Jonah immediately heads for Nineveh and delivers the message of judgment as God had commanded. The city fell to its knees because of Jonah’s message, they repented and 120,000 turned to God. God decided not to destroy the city because of their repentant hearts.

Now, this is a success story, but Jonah is angry. He really wanted to see them destroyed! He didn’t understand God’s compassion for them despite the fact he had been forgiven, given a 2^nd chance, and yet didn’t think the Ninevites deserved the same. Interesting how much humanity we see in Jonah’s reaction. We aren’t so unlike Jonah. We want all of God’s love and grace poured on us, but we often don’t think others are as deserving.

God wants all to come to repentance. We are to be his messengers of forgiveness. Listen to God’s voice and follow his plan for your life.

Scriptures – Jonah 1:1-3, 15, 17, 2:1, 10, 3:1-2, 4:1 (NLT)

Verse – The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish. (Jonah 1:1-3)

Questions – Have you ever ran away from God’s plan? Explain. How did it work out? How do you know you are hearing God’s voice? When have you heard God’s voice and followed? Explain. How did it work out? Do you consider the consequences of disobedience when you are tempted to turn away from God’s will? If so, how does that help you make the right decision?

Prayer – Dear Lord, I know you have a plan for my life, and you will make a way for me when I follow your call. You never ask me to go without you. Help me to remember that you are working in and through me to fulfil your purpose, and help me to be a willing participant. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Knowing you are always willing to forgive and give me another chance brings comfort and security to my life. Help me to always live within the sound of your voice. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.