Jonah and Me

Scripture – Jonah 1:1-3: ¹The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: ²“Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” ³But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jonah is given a clear call, and he just as clearly refuses to obey. God points him one way. He immediately heads in a different direction. It’s interesting that his plan was to run away from God, not the task to which he was called. Sometimes I get myself really busy with a lot of different projects – even good ones in the church. The effect of that is I can block out any word from the Lord. It’s like, if I don’t hear Him, He’s not here.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It’s easy to laugh at this picture of Jonah. I just need to stay aware it’s also a picture of me sometimes. I’ll pay attention this week. When do I try to get away from the Lord?

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) I will listen for your word, Lord Jesus. There have been many times when you’ve been as clear with me as you were with Jonah. And I have refused. I’m sorry for that. Keep me open to you this week. Teach me through the experience of Jonah. I have a sense you have a strong word for me in this little book.