Transformed By Truth: Running From God’s Call Jonah 1:3 Series

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.