Jonah – The Reluctant Missionary
The story of Jonah is one of the most remarkable accounts in Scripture. It shows us the mercy and sovereignty of God, the stubbornness of man, and the surprising ways God works to accomplish His purposes. Though Jonah tried to run, he could not escape the Lord. His life reminds us that God’s mission will be fulfilled—either through our obedience or despite our disobedience.
God’s Character
Psalm 86:15 – But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth.
From the very beginning, the story of Jonah reveals not just the prophet’s weakness but God’s compassion and faithfulness.
A Simple Request
Jonah 1:1–2 – The word of the Lord came to Jonah: “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because their wickedness has confronted Me.”
God’s command was simple—go and speak His Word.
A Quick Rejection
Jonah 1:3 – However, Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish, from the Lord’s presence.
Jonah ran in the opposite direction. Instead of obeying, he resisted, trying to escape the presence of the Lord.
Matthew 12:41 – The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at Jonah’s proclamation; and look—something greater than Jonah is here!
Jesus later reminded His hearers that even the people of Nineveh responded more faithfully to God’s Word than many in His day.
A Reluctant Missionary
Jonah 1:12 – He answered them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea so it may quiet down for you, for I know that I’m to blame for this violent storm that is against you.”
Jonah 1:14–16 – So they called out to the Lord: “Please, Yahweh, don’t let us perish because of this man’s life, and don’t charge us with innocent blood! For You, Yahweh, have done just as You pleased.” Then they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. The men feared the Lord even more, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.
Jonah’s rebellion brought judgment on those around him. Yet even in his disobedience, God used the situation to bring others to fear and worship Him.
Jonah 1:17 – Now the Lord had appointed a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the fish three days and three nights.
Jonah 2:2 – I called to the Lord in my distress, and He answered me. I cried out for help in the belly of Sheol; You heard my voice.
In the depths of the sea, Jonah discovered that God hears even the cries of the disobedient when they repent.
Jonah 3:4 – Jonah set out on the first day of his walk in the city and proclaimed, “In 40 days Nineveh will be demolished!”
At last, Jonah obeyed and preached to Nineveh. To his surprise, the entire city repented.
A Bad Attitude
Jonah 4:1 – But Jonah was greatly displeased and became furious.
Jonah 4:3 – And now, Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
Though God showed mercy to Nineveh, Jonah resented it. Instead of rejoicing at their repentance, he grew angry, showing how easily our hearts can resist God’s compassion.
Lessons from Jonah
What can we learn from Jonah so that our lives can be great for God?
-
God is sovereign – the Lord controls everything about Jonah’s life and experience – he does the same for us.
-
God is the supreme Judge – it isn’t our place to judge anyone. God can do anything he pleases even if we don’t like it.
-
God is the savior and his loving kindness will always overshadow our prejudices.
-
We are to tell the story or God will use us reluctantly to tell the story.
Final Reflection
Jonah reminds us that God’s purposes will prevail. Even when His messenger resists, His Word accomplishes its mission. Our choice is simple: will we obey willingly and share in God’s joy, or resist and find ourselves running against the will of the Almighty?