Transformed by Truth: Running from God’s Call Jonah 1:3
Jonah 1:3 (NLT): "But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish."
Introduction
Today, we delve into the story of Jonah, a prophet called by God but who chose to run in the opposite direction. Jonah 1:3 offers a powerful lesson on obedience, fear, and God's relentless pursuit of us even when we try to flee from His calling.
Let's explore three key points from this passage: Jonah's Disobedience, God's Relentless Pursuit, and Our Response to God's Call.
Point 1: Jonah's Disobedience
"But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord."
Jonah's initial response to God's command was one of disobedience. Instead of heading to Nineveh, as instructed, he fled to Tarshish, hoping to escape God's presence and calling. Jonah's actions reflect a deep-seated fear and reluctance to follow God's directive.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "God never allows His children to sin successfully." Jonah's attempt to flee is a prime example of how disobedience to God’s call brings about consequences.
Proverbs 14:12 (NLT): "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death."
Consider the story of a young man named David, who was called to mission work in a remote area. Fearful of the unknown, he chose to pursue a comfortable career instead. Years later, he found himself unfulfilled, only to realize he was running from God's true calling for his life. Like Jonah, David learned that true peace comes from obedience.
This proverb highlights the deceptive nature of human wisdom. Often, we convince ourselves that our chosen path is the best one because it seems right to us. However, without God's guidance, what appears to be the right way can lead to spiritual and sometimes physical destruction.
Charles Spurgeon noted, "The way of self-will is dangerous, and even deadly. We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern the true path."
Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT): "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?"
Jeremiah 17:9 underscores the inherent deceitfulness and wickedness of the human heart. This verse highlights the natural inclination towards sin and the self-deceptive nature of humanity.
Imagine a traveler who ignores the map and chooses a route that looks appealing but leads to a dead end. This is akin to relying on our own understanding without seeking God's direction.
John Calvin referred to the human heart as an "idol factory," constantly producing things to worship other than God.
Proverbs 28:26 (NLT) - "Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe."
Imagine a compass that is always slightly off. If you rely on it, you'll end up lost. Similarly, relying solely on our own hearts can lead us astray without God's guidance.
Point 2: God's Relentless Pursuit
"He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish."
Despite Jonah's attempt to escape, God's pursuit was relentless. God orchestrated events to bring Jonah back to His purpose, illustrating that no matter how far we run, we cannot escape God's reach.
Timothy Keller notes, "God’s grace and His call will eventually bring us to where He wants us to be, even if it’s through the belly of a great fish."
Psalm 139:7-10 (NLT): "I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me."
Think of a parent who tirelessly searches for a lost child. Their love compels them to seek relentlessly until the child is found. Similarly, God’s love for Jonah—and for us—drives Him to pursue us, no matter how far we stray.
David expresses the omnipresence of God, emphasizing that there is no place we can go to escape His presence. Whether in the highest heaven or the deepest grave, God's presence is with us, guiding and supporting us.
A.W. Tozer remarked, "God is everywhere, near to everyone, and concerned about everything."
Jeremiah 23:24 (NLT): "Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?" says the Lord."
This verse speaks to the omnipresence of God. There is no place where we can hide from His presence. God is everywhere, seeing and knowing all things. God's omnipresence is like this parental care but infinitely greater and perfect.
A.W. Tozer remarked, "God is everywhere, near to everyone, and concerned about everything."
Consider a parent who is always close to their child, no matter where the child goes. This analogy helps us understand God's omnipresence and His constant watch over us.
Point 3: Our Response to God's Call
Text: "He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish."
Jonah’s purchase of a ticket to Tarshish was his attempt to control his own destiny, a futile effort to escape God's sovereign plan. Our response to God's call should be one of surrender and trust, not fear and evasion.
A.W. Tozer wrote, "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible—what a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves."
Romans 12:1 (NLT): "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him."
Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices to God, which means dedicating all aspects of their lives to Him. This act of worship is not about offering dead sacrifices but living in a way that is holy and pleasing to God.
There’s a story of a farmer who resisted selling his land to the city for a new hospital. After much resistance and prayer, he realized God’s plan was to use his land for a greater purpose. His eventual surrender brought immense blessings to the community, just as our surrender to God's call brings blessings beyond our imagination.
John Stott wrote, "True worship is the offering of our everyday life to God."
Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT) - "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honour God with your body."
Paul emphasizes that believers' bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, meaning they should honour God with their bodies. This is a call to purity, recognising the sacredness of our physical being as the dwelling place of God's Spirit.
Imagine an artist who dedicates every brushstroke to perfecting a masterpiece. In the same way, we are to dedicate every part of our lives to honouring God.
John Stott wrote, "True worship is the offering of our everyday life to God."
Imagine a historic cathedral, meticulously maintained and revered for its sacred purpose. Our bodies, as temples of the Holy Spirit, deserve even greater respect and care.
Conclusion
Jonah 1:3 teaches us profound lessons about obedience, God's relentless pursuit, and the necessity of our surrender. We may try to flee like Jonah, but God's love and purpose for us are inescapable.
Application and Call to Action:
Seek God's Guidance and Wisdom:
Reflect on the paths you are currently taking in life. Are you relying on your own wisdom or seeking God's direction?
Pray for discernment and guidance, trusting in Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
Embrace God's Omnipresence:
Acknowledge God's omnipresence in your life. No matter where you are or what you're going through, He is with you.
Spend time in prayer and meditation, drawing strength from Psalm 46:1 (NLT) - "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."
Offer Your Life as Worship:
Commit to living a life that honours God in all aspects. This means making choices that reflect your dedication to Him.
Reflect on Colossians 3:17 (NLT) - "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."
Acknowledge God's Call: Spend time in prayer and ask God to reveal His calling for your life. Do not let fear dictate your response.
Honour God with Your Body:
Understand that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with respect and honour. Live in a way that reflects this sacred truth.
Evaluate your lifestyle choices and make adjustments to align them with the understanding that your body is God's temple.
Trust in God's Plan: Remember that God’s plans are for your good, even when they seem daunting. Trust in His wisdom and guidance.
Embrace Obedience: Step out in faith and follow God’s directives. Know that He equips those He calls.
In closing, let's remember that true transformation comes from living according to God's truth, let's commit to allowing these truths to transform our lives.
By seeking His guidance, embracing His presence, honouring Him with our bodies, and offering our lives as worship, we can walk the path He has set before us with confidence and joy - we can live lives that are pleasing to Him and reflective of His glory.
As we leave today, let’s commit to embracing God’s call with courage and faith, knowing that His plans for us are filled with purpose and love. Let us not be like Jonah, running in the opposite direction, but instead, run towards the path God has laid out for us. Amen.
