Redeeming a Rebel

One early Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get up and get ready for church. He replied, “I’m not going.”

“Why not?” she asked.

“I’ll give you two good reasons,” he said. “One, the people in the church don’t like me, and two, I don’t like them.”

His mother replied, “I’ll give you two good reasons why you should go to church. Number one, you’re 45 years old, and number two, you’re the pastor.”

All humor aside, reluctance in life will lead to:

• Missed opportunities

• Stagnation

• Strained relationships

• Increased anxiety

For the prophet Jonah, his reluctance to obey God’s call led to the following:

• Storm at Sea: Jonah’s attempt to flee from God’s command caused a violent storm that endangered not only his life, but also the lives of the sailors.

• Being Swallowed by a Great Fish: As a direct result of his disobedience, Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and spent three days and nights in its belly, experiencing the consequences of his choices.

• Delays in God’s Message: His disobedience delayed the delivery of God’s dire warning to the people of Nineveh, potentially risking their destruction.

• Personal Suffering and Humbling: Jonah experienced fear, isolation, and deep reflection, which ultimately humbled him and brought him back to obedience.

Jonah was a rebel on the run:

• In Jonah chapter 1, we see Jonah running away from God (Disobedience).

• In Jonah chapter 2, we see Jonah running toward God (Repentance).

• In Jonah chapter 3, we see Jonah running with God (Grace).

Listen Closely:

Make no mistake! Please do not miss the following point:

“Sin will take you farther than you want to go—keep you longer than you want to stay—and charge you more than you’re willing to pay.”

Sin and disobedience always produce consequences.

Reflection

I encourage you to ponder the following questions in your own life:

• Are you running away from something God is calling you to do?

• Are you living in willful sin and disobedience toward God?

• Are you showing compassion to others, even when you think they don’t deserve it?

• Are you willing to obey God even when the task is outside your comfort zone or feels too difficult?

Never forget: The pain of discipline is always less than the pain of regret. God redeemed Jonah, the running rebel, with His amazing grace—and He will do the same for you.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.