Called by God: Jonah

Years ago I wanted to leave my job and start another career. I asked for advice from the men in my small group. Each one shared their thoughts until Frank, the last one to speak, said, “I’m not going to tell you what to do, but here’s a principle to help you decide. Don’t run FROM something; run TO something.” Those words cut through the fog and revealed that I merely wanted to escape a stressful situation. My friend’s wise advice helped me decide to stay and work through the issues. This story parallels the tale of the prophet Jonah.

Background
Jonah¹ was a prophet from a town a few miles north of Nazareth where Jesus later grew up. Other prophets alive during this time included Hosea, Joel, and Amos.

Calling
God told Jonah, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” ²

Response
Jonah ran away and boarded a ship headed in the opposite direction. In fact, it was bound for the farthest point possible in the known world. But God sent a violent storm that threatened to break apart the vessel. The sailors cast lots and determined that Jonah was the cause. Although the sailors protested, they finally agreed to throw Jonah overboard.  When they did, the storm stopped.

Jonah was treading water in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea when God sent a large fish to save him. The large fish [the Bible does NOT call it a whale] swallowed Jonah whole, and spent the next three days in the creature’s belly. When he acknowledged his sin, God commanded the fish to spit out Jonah on dry land. Then God issued the calling a second time.

Reissued Calling
God reissued the calling to Jonah. “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” ³

Response to Reissued Calling

• Jonah obeyed God, and He didn’t destroy them when they repented.
• Jonah became angry that God showed mercy to a violent people.

Meaning

• Your calling may be short and simple:  Go and Preach
• You can’t run away from God or your calling
• Disobedience to your calling may put you and others in extreme peril
• God will provide everything you need to fulfill the call
• God’s purpose will be fulfilled regardless of your initial reluctance
• Your calling will challenge you to grow spiritually

Summary
God’s call is your destiny and you cannot run from it. Your calling may place your life in jeopardy whether you obey or disobey it. You may not agree with God’s calling, but you are expected to obey. God will grow you up in the process of fulfilling the calling.

Prayer
“Lord, I think of all the times I’ve tried to run or hide from You.  How foolish I was!  You alone are God.  You alone offer life in all its fullest.  Thanks, Amen.”

1 The story is told in the Book of Jonah 1-4
2 Jonah 1:1
3 Jonah 3:1

© 2013 Designed to Serve®

New series begins next week: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Christians