Whenever we choose to disobey the Lord’s specific instructions to us, we are running from Him. Jonah headed for Tarshish when God wanted him to go to Nineveh. Jonah quit the ministry. He became a deserter. He went AWOL! When you give up the faith, their life will take a downward course. Trouble will be just over the horizon. For Jonah it happened so quickly.

1 – God does not withdraw His command because we are unwilling to obey it

Although Jonah ran from God’s will, the divine command remained unchanged. If you don’t hear the Lord’s voice, ask Him to communicate in a way that you can understand. God speaks to us through three ways.

• His Word
• Our conscience
• The Holy Spirit

2 – It is impossible to run from God successfully

How did Jonah hear God’s call! It is not known how but the message was clear. Jonah has to go to the Ninevahites and give them God’s message. Jonah didn’t want to answer the call as Ninevah was an enemy.

• Jonah took a ship “to flee to Tarshish and from the presence of the LORD” (Jonah 1:3). When God sent a fierce storm that threatened to capsize the boat, the prophet told the sailors to cast him overboard if they wanted to survive. Apparently, he was willing to die rather than obey God (v. 12). Only after Jonah found himself in the belly of “a great fish” was he willing to obey the Lord (2:1-9).
• How do people today attempt to run from God? They act to please themselves rather than do what the Lord desires of them. You cannot disobey God without it costing you in some way. We can get hurt and those around us.

3 – Running from the Lord results in painful circumstances

The greater the call on your life, the more guilt you will feel when you choose to rebel. Jonah felt so uncomfortable that he was willing to die. He told the sailors “Throw me into the sea” (1:12). Sin always results in loss of some kind. We may lose abilities, time, money, opportunities, or relationships.

4 – When you run from God, your disobedience will often bring pain and loss to others

Jonah’s rebellion cost the sailors their cargo and, therefore, their profit from the voyage. He also endangered their lives. We like to think that sin is a private matter and no one will be hurt by our disobedience. But when we rebel against the Lord, there is always a price.

5 – The Father’s grace frequently provides a second chance

We have to suffer the consequences when we try to run away from God. Do we care that the unsaved are going to hell? God’s love knows no barriers. Jonah was now running WITH God rather than FROM God.

• Many times the Lord gives us another opportunity to obey Him. After the sea creature deposited Jonah on land, the prophet travelled to Nineveh and preached to the people. They responded to the divine warning and turned from their evil ways (3:1-5).
• The Lord isn’t looking for perfect men and women. He seeks those who are available to serve Him. When judgment didn’t fall on the wicked city, the prophet was so angry and depressed that he asked the Lord to take his life (4:1-8). But God used Jonah despite his attitude.

6 – Running from God can be eternally disastrous

Scripture says that we reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7-8). Those who run from the Lord by choosing not to believe in His Son will reap eternal separation from Him. When believers’ rebel against God’s will, they bring pain and loss upon themselves as well as other people. The good news is that the Lord often gives a second chance to obey Him. Have you been running from your Creator in some area of your life? If so, return to the Father and give Him complete control. He delights to work through available, obedient servants.

Categories: Jonah