Day 49 – The Story of Jonah – Jonah 1:1-4:11
I love Jonah, both the person and the book. This is no perfect pie in the sky prophet.
Jonah struggles with God, running from the intended destination of Nineveh Iraq Spain Assyria , the empire who destroyed the northern Jewish kingdom of Israel Assyria ruled through brutality, killing those who resisted and selling those who did not into slavery in a distant part of their empire.
As we think of whom we consider enemies today, if God called you to northern Pakistan
Jonah reluctantly fulfills God’s task given to him. As he feared, Jonah’s message from God is successful. The people of Nineveh
Even at the end, there is no resolution. This is not a tidy story. At the end Jonah is literally fuming at God. The story ends with God asking Jonah a question which is relevant for us as well: “And should I not be concerned about Nineveh
I sense that God’s plan of mercy is greater than we realize. What is our Ninevah? Far too often we worry about “who is in and who is out”. The Jews certainly had a very limited view on this and this little book repeatedly calls them on this concern about the fence. This is something we need to remember as we deal with those outside the church. There is the concept of the visible and invisible church. The church does not decide ultimate fate, God, through Jesus, does. What we depend on is not our own work, but God’s mercy.
I also love the concern shown for all of creation in this story. The animals participate in Nineveh
So may this be a book which affects our view of the world. We are to show concern for all of creation and to not despise those whom we view as outside the fence. God is in charge of all.
In Christ,
Randy
Often times we're reluctant to share God's good news with friends, not to mention others! Jonah knew the fear of God and still had a difficult time. This shows God's great compassion for those that are lost and His desire for them to return. Our human nature always has the focus on us...so Jonah was worried Nineveh would think his prophecy was false. He failed to see that the people of Nineveh did what God expected and desired. Thus they were greatful for the message. Is your view one that others might be greatful when someone shares the message? or is it one that I don't think they want to hear this?
ReplyDeleteI find in my walk with trying to communicate with others. If you have a group of non-believers together, they are more likely to stick together and battle you on every subject. Where as if one on one they are willing to open up more.I never force Gods word on any one but i do stand up for the lord, no matter how many there are. It's amazing how many people he putts in my path.( He is the light that gides our path.) How many people are standing in our paths that get passed bye every day? Do we fear the lord enough! Take it from Jonah you can't hide from God and his will for your life. Surrender all and he will amaze you on who you become.
ReplyDeleteJonah was not worried that his message would not work, he was worried that it would work. That is why he is angry with God afterward. Jonah did not want to help the Ninevites.
ReplyDeleteIn this case what I am talking about is comparing many Christians in our country today with the Jews. The idea that we are in and others are out, so some how we, and the Jews in their time, are better. I think this book acts as a critique on that mindset.
When I talk about the current situation, a survey comes to mind, which led to the writing of the book "Unchristian". Young non-believers, in particular, see Christians as judgmental, bigoted, arrogant, and hypocritical. And we probably are many times. I say this not about our own congregation, but more about many in our society in general, unfortunately often those with media outlets.