Unfair GraceChikamu

Yesterday we saw the big-heartedness of God and how Jonah struggled with the fact that God’s mercy would be granted to a sinful people. Jonah also struggled with obedience. The call was clear. He had a simple instruction. But again, he rose up to run away from the presence of God. He may have had good geography, knowing that Tarshish was in the opposite direction, but he messed up his theology. How can a person escape the omnipresent God? In Psalm 139:7, David writes, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?"

Jonah was not just disobeying God’s command, he was also rejecting a relationship with Him. When we start to run from a task that God has for us, that also means we are running from a relationship with Him. Running is a fear-driven response to a faith-filled challenge that God has for us. Are there times in our lives when God calls us specifically to do something? To pick up the phone and call a person? To speak to that person there? When the Spirit of God stirs us to action, are we sensitive to God’s call? What is our response? Do we also try to run away? Do we try to avoid getting out of our comfort zone?

We are baffled by Jonah’s actions but more so, because in some ways, he resembles us. As we read into the chapter, we see the contrast of how the sailors had more faith, were more prayerful, and, in fact, an unbelieving captain told a prophet of God to pray! The irony was uncanny! God was drawing a stark contrast between the state of His own people vs. the “outsiders." We also might be shocked by the faith of those who we think are outsiders in our lives.

God has placed us very intentionally wherever we are. Are we being the salt and light of the world? Are we reflecting God’s love to our neighbors, colleagues? Are we running away from a task for which God has called us?

Take a moment to think about where God has placed us. Seek Him and ask Him what He has in store for us.