113 Jonah: When God Calls

The story of Jonah ranks among the best-known of any in the O.T. It’s right up there with Noah and the ark, David and Goliath, and Daniel in the lion’s den.

Jonah’s story takes place about 770 BC. By this time the nation of Israel has been split into two kingdoms through a tragic and costly civil war. By this time both kingdoms were in spiritual freefall. Immorality and idolatry were rampant. Injustice was the rule not the exception. Though there was a veneer of religion, God was increasingly marginalized.

In an attempt to pull His people out of this tailspin, the Lord sent prophets to both kingdoms.

Sadly, very few listened to the words of warning and ultimately judgment came to both kingdoms.

In the last half of the 8th century B.C., storm clouds began to form on the northern frontier as the nation of Assyria rose to power, with its great capital, the mighty city of Nineveh.

Assyria was not only a great military power, it was known for its incredible cruelty. More than one historian has argued that the Assyrians were the cruelest conquerors who ever walked the earth.

THIS is where God called Jonah to go. His assignment was not simply to preach “to” Nineveh, but “against” Nineveh. He was to give a solemn message of impending judgment with no promise or expectation that they would listen.

To put this into perspective, imagine being asked to go to Iraq at the height of Saddam Hussein’s power and walk the streets of Baghdad calling people to repent in the name of the God of Israel.

But the Word of the Lord came to Jonah – “Go to Nineveh.” This leads to the first observation I’d like to make:

God’s callings are often challenging.

When God calls a man or woman to something great, very seldom is it comfortable, convenient, or safe. Part and parcel of being a disciple is hearing His call to go to difficult places and do scary things…with no promise of success.

And that leads to a second observation:

Our first response to a difficult calling is usually fear.

But that fear response doesn’t mean the calling isn’t from God. God intentionally calls us into that which is doomed for failure without His help. But that doesn’t mean we can’t step into it.

Courage is not the lack of fear. It’s the decision to act anyway.

This leads us to the last observation:

The decision we make reflects our view of God.

Friends, the question isn’t, “How big is the challenge?” The question is, “How big is your God?

God’s callings include God’s enablings.

Here are 2 concluding thoughts: