But Jonah …went in the opposite direction in order to get away from the Lord…He bought a ticket…hoping that by going away to the west he could escape from the Lord. But as the ship was sailing along, suddenly the Lord flung a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to send them to the bottom.
Jonah 1:3-4 (NLT)
Within the pages of the Old Testament is the small book of Jonah. Although Jonah is only four chapters long, it still holds many valuable lessons. And as much as I would dearly love to sit with you all day and dissect each and every verse, I simply can’t do that in a weekly blog. So since time and space are limited, I am going to focus on one important lesson from the book of Jonah. The main text for this lesson is Jonah chapter 1, and the spotlight will be on Jonah running from God.
God told Jonah to travel to Nineveh and pronounce God’s judgment against the wickedness of its people (Jonah 1:2). Nineveh was an important Assyrian city and one of Israel’s most dreaded enemies; therefore, Jonah did not want to obey God. Thus, Jonah boarded a ship headed towards Tarshish, the opposite direction from Nineveh.
Many good bible commentaries offer multiple reasons why Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh. No matter what his reason was, let’s focus on the fact that Jonah refused to obey God. Since he did not like his God-assigned task, Jonah chose to runaway.
Running from God was not wise! Once Jonah was on board the ship headed for Tarshish and asleep below in the ship’s hold, God sent a powerful storm. Waves began crashing against the ship, threatening to tear it apart. Everyone’s life was in danger (V. 4-5). In a futile attempt to save themselves, the ship’s crew tossed the cargo overboard (V.6). But it was useless—they could not stop the wrath of God!
While the ship’s crew was frantically fighting to stay afloat in the raging storm, Jonah continued sleeping below. He was completely oblivious to the turmoil that his actions caused (V. 5). Jonah, in his stubbornness, had hardened his heart enough against God that he was able to sleep peacefully. But notice that his peace soon vaporized and was replaced with terror.
Frantically, the ship’s captain woke Jonah up and shouted, “…How can you sleep at a time like this...Get up and pray to your God!”(Jonah 1:6, NLT). Even after Jonah became aware that people’s lives were at stake, he persisted in his stubbornness. He didn’t fess up and let the captain know that he was the cause of the storm. Instead, the crew had to cast lots to discover the cause of their calamity. Jonah lost the toss, “…you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23, NLT).
Once discovered, Jonah confessed that he was running from God. “Throw me into the sea,” Jonah said, “and it will become calm again. For I know that this terrible storm is all my fault” (Jonah 1:12, NLT). Eventually, the crew did throw Jonah into the raging sea and immediately the storm ceased. The offender was tossed away and peace returned.
Jonah’s disobedience caused collateral damage. People who were on the ship with him lost their cargo and they nearly lost their lives. Sin has consequences that are often deadly and far-reaching.
Like Jonah, if you run from God you create problems not only for yourself, but also for the people around you. Whether they are your loved ones, your friends, or mere acquaintances, they can be hurt in the fall-out of your disobedience. That fall-out can be devastating!
Sometimes, God may tell you to do something that you don’t want to do. You may be tempted to do a “Jonah” and run away. Or you might even try to pretend that you didn’t hear God. It won’t work! You cannot consciously thumb your nose at God and get by with it. Eventually there will be a price to pay and that price may be high.
God loves you too much to let you go without a fight. He will pursue you. He found Jonah and He can find you. “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there” (Psalms 139:7-8).
Perhaps you may be saying right now, “God has never given me a direct command.” I disagree! God’s Word, the Bible, is a direct command to everyone—and that “everyone” includes you.
Are there currently any raging storms in your life because you are running from God? Or maybe you are openly defying Him by refusing to submit to His commands? Stop running! Throw your sins overboard and let peace return.
Oh, and one last suggestion—don’t climb on board a ship with someone who is running from God!
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
Psalm 119:67
Three Key Concepts:
1. You cannot hide from God.
2. Sin has consequences that can be deadly.
3. God loves you so much that He will make waves to save you.
