Loving Difficult People in Difficult Places (Part 3 of 4)

Read Jonah 3 

In case you were wondering, here's a snapshot of the ancient world of disobedience to God's call. Jonah was intended to go to Nineveh from Joppa but opted for Tarshish instead. (Hint: disobedience still means we run the opposite direction from God and chase what we want).

WASHED UP

Spitting, sputtering, stinking and drip-drying, Jonah's first glimpse of daylight comes on a shore with the silhouette of Nineveh looming ahead. Suddenly the voice of God speaks, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message I tell you."

Oh, right, head to the city that is known for its evil and simply tell them what you told me? Ok, I guess. I mean, we have all seen what happens if I head the other direction. Seeing how this handy fish just spit me out after angry sailors tried to help me escape obedience through death, Nineveh seems feasible. Jonah ponders for a moment the language God's voice employed.

Did he really say "that great city" (a translator's note indicates this means "a great city to God")? How is it that God could have such affection for such vile sinners as they are? Scarce had the thought crossed his mind when immediately images of him forsaking his call as a prophet, God's truth come what may, flashed vividly; Jonah trembled...

SHORTEST SERMON

Betraying the fact that he simply wants to accomplish the task God has called him to without much fanfare or additional attention Jonah utters a five word (in the original Hebrew) sermon of rebuke. Five Words. I can't finish a sermon in less than 35 minutes (just ask those in my church 😏), but this dude utters five words and a whole city responds with repentance! Ask any pastor, "So, the last sermon you gave, was there city wide revival in which each person examined himself before God and repented of all known sin?"

I don't bet, even if I did I am sure all the establishments are closed, but if I did I would give any amount of money in prediction of the pastor's strong reaction OR even laughter at the ill-formed question. IF people don't fall asleep during our sermons we count it a victory. The reality from the story of Jonah in this third chapter is striking.

Obedience to God isn't always easy, but its always worth it. I imagine Jonah's initial reaction as the king falls prostrate from his throne decreeing a fast accompanied by repentance for the entire city (Jonah 3:6-9)... Eyes wide, palms sweating as the short sermon slips from his lips, his eyes lock the intent stare of a king now humbled. What's Jonah wrestling with in that moment. Well, displeasure and anger (Jonah 4:1). Seems terribly odd considering his recent three day underwater trip by way of mammal.

LOVING DIFFICULT PEOPLE IN DIFFICULT CLOTHING (the king and entire city covered in sackcloth)

Jonah is so enamored with himself that he has already fled God, been chucked overboard, swallowed by a fish, spit up on land and journeyed three days all to be angry that God showed mercy where he thought none should be granted. You see, loving difficult people means that you and I recognize, I am not wise or kind enough to mete out judgement with complete justice. Utter perfection is the only thing that works for total depravity. 

TRUTH TO LIFE

Read Romans 12:18-20

1. Why is God's wrath infinitely better than mine? What drives my wrath? What drives God's wrath? 
2. Think of someone with whom you may presently have a conflict: peace is possible. What part of that possibility depends on you? ie. Is there something you can or should do you are actively avoiding? 
3. Does Jonah seem petty to you (a five word sermon and anger at repentance)?