Jonah Teaches Again

David Warren gave  the sermon Sunday morning, his scripture from Jonah. He began with where God told Jonah where to go, through his decision to head in the opposite direction and the immediate result of his decision to go elsewhere. Bro. Warren gave us descriptions of three places Jonah thought of:

Nineveh = Where God wants us to be
Joppa = Transition point
Tarshish = Rejection of God’s will

Then he reminded us that we make these same decisions every single day. Think not? Go ahead – pick a day, even this one. Have you spoken with God this morning? He expects us to, every single day (Matthew 6:9-13).  We have many examples, such as David and Daniel – and, of course, Jesus.

Did you make it past that first decision point about where God wants us to be? Or, did you end up in Tarshish?

How about your last drive? Did you treat everyone on the road they way you wanted to be treated (Luke 6:31). I find myself impatient at least once in traffic. I’m tempted to edge beyond the posted speed, too. I’ve been known to give “dirty looks” and have been known to use my horn. Is that what I wish done to me? Not hardly.

Once up and down the road, how about the people we meet. Both of those verses above would apply, wouldn’t they? Especially that “Lead me not into temptation.” We find ourselves at Joppa, the transition point, headed for Tarshish. Actually looking forward to our arrival, don’t we? Think not? It doesn’t have to be a huge temptation, even small ones are part of our decision-making during our day.

Now, consider Nineveh, where God wants us to be. Frankly, I know God brought me to this physical location. It would take a much longer venue to explain, but please trust me on this. We would not be here, doing what we’re doing, if God had not made the provision for us. That’s geography, though. I’m still working on being where God wants me to be in my relationship with Him and with others. There is always more to learn, more to do.

Think of the Beatitudes – a progression in following God’s plan.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
(Matthew 5:3-11 KJV)

An odd progression, isn’t it, to end the blessedness with reviling persecution with evil? He knew, though, what was in store for Him, and for those who would follow His teachings. Still, they chose to follow God’s will, just as Christ did. Will we? Daily?