Jonah 1:11-13

Jonah 1:11-13

English Standard Version 

  It'd be fascinating to do a study about what this would look like in different cultures.  Were this 21st century America, with the declining social trust we have in many places, I think Jonah might be immediately thrown into the sea.  In this culture, however, the sailors know that Jonah is the cause of the storm, and he asks to be thrown into the sea... and yet the men row hard to try and save the ship.  They do not want to throw Jonah into the sea, despite the fact that Jonah brought this upon them.  They still want to save him, if possible.

  Perhaps these men are the heroes of the story?  

  Notice heroic actions in the world around us.  They're not often performed by people who are the center of attention, but are often done by those quietly laboring to make the world a better place.  May we see their example and celebrate that, rather than the social media post of a celebrity that may or may not be worth our emulation and adulation.  May we celebrate those who labor for others, and may we aspire to be the type of people who look a guilty person in the eye and do everything we can to save them, for that's exactly what Jesus Christ does for us.

Jonah 1:7-10

Jonah 1:7-10 

English Standard Version 

  I can't help but wonder at the seriousness with which the other sailors take Jonah's actions.  They realize at once that he has done something awful, which has brought great danger to them all.  But Jonah made the decision in a moment, without thinking, only selfishly wanting to avoid peril or embarrassment.

  I think this probably happens more than we like to think.  In a moment, we make snap decisions, afraid of one thing or motivated by another, without necessarily thinking it all the way through.  We often do this as children, because our brains aren't fully developed, but it's easy to do as adults, too.  We try to avoid punishment, and perhaps believe a little white lie won't be so bad, or that no one will notice if we cut a corner or two.  But others see, and they note the seriousness of our offenses.  

  What takes real humility, and real trust, is to let others speak into our lives in such a way that they can help us know where the risks are.  Do we let them speak honestly to us about our flaws and our poor decisions?  Do we consult with one another in such times, hoping for the wisdom of the community to guide us?  Are we open to correction?

Jonah 1:4-6

Jonah 1:4-6 

English Standard Version 

  So Jonah is sailing in the exact opposite direction that God has told him to go, hoping that God won't notice Jonah exiting stage right.  (Narrator's note:  God notices)  A giant storm is sent, and every sailor on the ship is crying out to their gods, hoping for salvation.  This reminds of Elijah and his duel with the false prophets of Baal, who are crying out in the same way, but Elijah mocks them because Elijah knows there is only one true God.  Elijah tells them to shout louder in case their god is in the bathroom or asleep.  

  Jonah knows their cries won't change things, because Jonah realizes the storm is for him.  Jonah has brought others to danger through his carelessness and selfishness.  Jonah is ready to give up -- that's the only way he could fall asleep in the midst of such a storm.  But the captain won't let Jonah give up.  

  I hope more of us can be like the captain.  Can we notice the people who are in despair, who are ready to give up?  Can we pay attention and see the people in the world who are in such pain that they want to curl up and let it all slip away?  

Jonah 1:1-3

Jonah 1:1-3 

English Standard Version 

  Jonah will forever be one of my favorite books in the Bible.  Not because Jonah is the leading and most Godly figure in the Bible, but because he's one of the most human people in there, and therefore one of the most relatable.  Jonah gets just about everything wrong.  We could spend months teaching people about what not to do based on Jonah's life, and yet it's included in the Bible.  Jonah is a prime example of the work that God can do through flawed people. It reminds me of the teaching in seminary when they tell us that the Holy Spirit transforms the words of the preacher into the Word of God, meaning that effective preaching doesn't depend on the worthiness of the preacher, but rather on the Holy Spirit, which is a far more dependable vehicle.  That relieves some stress!

  Now, this doesn't mean that we're not all called to do the best work possible.  All it means is that despite our failures, God can still use us and proclaim the Gospel through us.  We don't have to be afraid of where we fall short -- we can read the book of Jonah and give thanks for the ways that God uses broken people like us.