The Sign Of Jonah Part 1: Jonah And The Big Shock (Jonah 1:1-3)

God isn't afraid to ask us to do something we really don't want to do or that doesn't feel at all natural to us. This was certainly the case when He asked Jonah to go to "them," the people of the wicked city of Nineveh. Jonah's response? He's so offended that he runs away, not only from God's call but also from His presence. So, Jonah finds a ship going as far from God's instruction as possible. There will always be a "ship" - a hobby, a business venture, even a new church! - ready to take us away from God's purpose, and it's relatively easy for us to find ways to 'run away' from God if we really want to. But God's loving purpose for "them" and for us is not just going to go away. His grace is too good for that! Today is a good day to evaluate if we've been trying to shut out God's voice by running, by staying busy, or by 'doing church' from a safe distance.