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When I read that short, dramatic, four-chapter story, I feel like laughing.
I laugh because I see myself and many other Christians trying to cop out like Jonah. "Quick, give me something else to do, so I don't have to do what I don't want to do. A trip to Russia or Israel or Hawaii would be so much more enjoyable. After all, my money is mine to do with what I like."
Too bad God does not always send a storm and a whale after us. We sleep--even if thousands are dying in the big cities! In our hearts we argue: If I tell them, they might repent like Nineveh did. I wouldn't give those wicked cities such an alternative! They deserve to be punished for their sins.
We laugh at Jonah's anger. Angry at God. It's like an ant rising up, angry at the boot that can tread on it. Angry at God's love and compassion. Angry at God for breaking down his shelter. Didn't God "build" it for him?
Jonah should have been angry at himself--sitting and sulking in the scorching sun. What a reluctant, irritable missionary!
What do we learn?
1. The Lord's work is not simple and easy. When God calls, we also easily want to run.
2. God knows where we are, on land or sea, in the innards of a fish or flailing on the sandy seashore.
3. God can and does revive whole cities. The Ninevites believed Jonah's message and repented. The mayor, men, women and children--all "gave up their evil ways".
That makes me smile again. Our gracious, compassionate God is not willing that any should perish.
This one is by Mary Fehr of Armstrong, B.C.
Return to the M.B. Herald Vol. 35, No. 21 Home Page