Since I need to make up for lost posts and my slacker ways, I wanted to write a little bit about Jonah here, too. Although his story is a little different than what I’m focusing on lately, his story brings a very similar point for observation.
Through Jonah God redeems and stirs a revival in Ninevah, the most hated center of oppression and conquest at the time. God sweeps through the overbearing evil empire and Jonah cannot stand it. It’s UNFAIR! I’m sure I’ll come back to this over and over again, but it’s true: God’s actions are not “fair”. Those oppressors do not get what they deserve. God showers His grace on a wholly undeserving people (not to mention this is happening in the Old Testament, the one with the “mean” God, but that’s another story for another day).
God spares a nation deserving of destruction or at the very least “comeuppance” and Jonah is having none of it. What really surprises me is that Jonah is not surprised. He was so convinced of the overly loving goodness of God, that Jonah ran away at the first sign this scandalous God was going to share that love with his (and His) enemies. God even goes to the depths of the sea to get His point across. “See! I knew you would do this!” Jonah accuses (I’m paraphrasing here). He just knew God was itching to bless someone who obviously did not deserve it.
In writing down these thoughts for the blog, this story is pretty much my central thesis. God is working in the whole world, and “the whole world” even means “that guy/girl/nation/etc. I hate.” How crazy is this story in the midst of a collection of teachings about God dealing with His people? What does it say that one of our most beloved story to this day is all about God moving outside of the fences the Israelites (and even the Ninevites) put up?
We must work to assume a posture that is both receptive and active in this world. It’s that “Following God” workbook all over again: Our lives are filled with watching where God is working and following Him there. So simple, but I’ve spent the last decade and then some trying to understand what that means, and I know there so much more to learn.
Great post, Man! I’m here dude. You’re writing makes me feel like an utter simpleton but I’m still here. Thanks for blogging, dude.
Dude jump in! Also, jump jump for my love, but i’m not sure exactly what that ever meant.
Thanks again … is this sarcamony? Alice