2024_04_26 Insight Post- Julie Christensen
This week’s reading- Jonah 1-4
Did Jonah run away from Nineveh because he was fearful of the evilness within Assyria or did Jonah go toward Tarshish because he was selfish? Although God’s word is consistent and His promises are unfailing, I see something new each time I read the Bible. I have never considered Jonah selfish, but let’s swim a little deeper. When the explicit direction came to Jonah to go to Nineveh and share the good news, Jonah didn’t argue, didn’t question, or try to compromise. If it was simply fear holding Jonah back, I think he’d have a question like, “Are you sure, God, I can handle the wickedness?” Maybe he’d plead for the support of an army, “God, who will be accompanying me on this dangerous journey?” What about the brutality? “God, they will murder me immediately!” However, the Word tells us Jonah ran: no argument, no questions, no compromise. The Lord spoke, and Jonah ran.
Finally, after the Lord saves Jonah from the boat, stormy waters, and massive fish, Jonah fulfills his mission in chapter three. However, chapter four begins with Jonah’s anger, “But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry.” (Jonah 4:1 NIV) Here is where the selfishness became evident to me. Why was Jonah unhappy that God decided not to destroy Nineveh? Why did he not want the Assyrians to witness God’s mercy? Why did he want to hide God’s love? Why did Jonah want God to withhold His salvation from a wicked nation? Why was Jonah being selfish with the grace that overflows daily? God wants us to be concerned for all his people, lost and saved. Matthew 28:19 tells us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” We are called to share God’s message and His truth with both the kind and the evil. Don’t wait on whale slobber. Go, and share the good news today!
Julie Christensen
Senior Director of Silo Center