We start one of the most well-known and beloved stories in the Bible today, the story of Jonah. Today, we see Jonah run from God. If you know anything about Ninevah, you will understand why Jonah ran. The Ninevites were truly terrible. They came and conquered by fear. They wanted the people to be afraid of them. Jonah saw how bad they were, and he didn’t want them to receive the forgiveness he felt they didn’t deserve. So, he ran. So many of us do the same; we have a call from God, and we run. Here is the truth, though. We can’t run from God. Today, are you running?

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he’ll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God’s Word.

If you’d like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up.

Click on the image above or this link to watch today’s video.

You can read today’s passage here.

You can podcast this reflection here. You can subscribe through Spotify or Apple Podcasts as well.

Or, if you’d like to read the transcript of the video, keep reading!

Good morning! It’s great to be with you on this Friday morning as we delve into the timeless story of Jonah. Jonah is a captivating book filled with profound lessons and insights, despite its brevity of just four chapters. Today, we’re beginning our journey by exploring the events of Jonah chapter one.

Jonah, the son of Amittai, receives a divine command from the Lord to go to Nineveh, a great city, and proclaim a message of judgment against it. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was infamous for its wickedness and cruelty. It was a place filled with fear and dread, and Jonah understandably wants nothing to do with it.

Instead of obeying God’s command, Jonah attempts to flee from his presence by boarding a ship bound for Tarsus. Yet, as we all know, you can’t outrun God. The Lord sends a great storm upon the sea, threatening the safety of the ship and its crew. While the sailors panic and cry out to their gods, Jonah sleeps soundly below deck, oblivious to the chaos above.

When the sailors cast lots to determine the cause of the storm, the lot falls on Jonah. They question him, and he confesses that he is a Hebrew who fears the Lord, the God of heaven and earth. Jonah reveals that he is fleeing from the presence of the Lord, prompting the sailors to become even more terrified.

Despite Jonah’s suggestion to throw him overboard to calm the storm, the sailors initially attempt to row back to land. However, as the storm intensifies, they reluctantly hurl Jonah into the sea. Immediately, the sea becomes calm, and the sailors offer sacrifices to the Lord, recognizing his power and authority.

Then, in a remarkable turn of events, the Lord appoints a great fish to swallow Jonah, where he remains for three days and three nights.

This chapter of Jonah teaches us several valuable lessons. First and foremost, it reminds us that we cannot escape from God’s presence or his call upon our lives. Jonah’s futile attempt to flee serves as a powerful metaphor for our own tendency to resist God’s will.

Moreover, Jonah’s story highlights the consequences of disobedience and the importance of humility and repentance. Despite Jonah’s shortcomings, God demonstrates his sovereignty and mercy, even in the midst of judgment.

As we reflect on Jonah’s journey, let’s examine our own lives. Are there areas where we’re trying to run from God’s call? Are we resisting his will out of fear or pride? Let’s remember that God’s plans are always for our good, and his grace is more than sufficient for whatever challenges we may face.

I encourage you to take some time today to reflect on these questions and to seek God’s guidance and direction in your life. And as we enter the weekend, let’s carry with us the assurance that even in our moments of doubt and disobedience, God remains faithful and merciful.

Have a blessed day, and I look forward to continuing our journey through Jonah on Monday.