One lesson I remember well from all my education courses in college, is that if you want someone to learn something, you have to say it over and over. Be creative, but keep repeating it. It will take a few times for it to sink in. In fact, they told us this repeatedly, in just about every course. See what they were doing? Practicing what they preached.
In the Old Testament, we see many prophets going to Israel to remind them over and over to turn back to the Lord. Don’t you think that God got a little tired of repeating himself?
No, because He knows us. We get easily distracted. We think we know better. We make plans without checking with Him first. So, he sends us messages trying to get our attention and tell us that He knows what we need and He is here to walk with us. Over and over. He’s so very patient.
Let’s talk about the story of Jonah.
What do I remember, other than a few classic tunes that always come to mind from a Veggie Tale movie? “Jonah was a prophet.. Ooo. Ooo.”
Hey wait! That’s my point again. Repetition teaches! I lost count of how many times we watched that movie with the kids. Even many years later, the songs are still stuck. (see the link below if you want to enjoy the fun too.)
1. I love that Jonah needed more than one reminder to do what he was supposed to do. It makes me feel a bit better about myself and about God. The fact that He stayed true and didn’t give up on Jonah, even though that stubborn man tried to do things his own way, gives me hope. I often try to show the Lord that I have a better plan, because I am not sure that His idea is quite right. Anyone else? Luckily, I haven’t had to deal with aquatic animals to teach me a lesson, but I’ve had my own “Ah… you really mean this, don’t you, Lord?” moments.
God is so patient in getting me to where He wants me to be. I love the saying, “He writes straight with crooked lines.” I take Him all over the place before we finally get where we are supposed to be.
Kind of like shopping with a toddler. Or a teenager, come to think of it.
2. I also appreciate that God wasn’t having Jonah preach to his fellow country men. He sent him to their enemies. The people of Nineveh were not so friendly. It does help make sense of Jonah’s reluctance. I mean, it takes real courage and grace to go there. But, the Lord showed that He was seeking after all hearts. He wanted everyone to turn to Him.
God wants me to get out of my comfort zone as well. I think that’s why He is always stretching me and placing people in my life that challenge my thinking and work on sanding down my rough edges. Watching the people of Nineveh turn so quickly back to the Lord was a bit shocking to Jonah. He seems a little petty about it all.
So glad I never act that way. I never doubt someone’s conversion because I can’t let go of the hurt they’ve caused. Oh, wait.
Also, I believe there are people I am too afraid to share with and times I keep my mouth closed when God is prompting me to speak. Normally, it’s because I either don’t think it will go well or I don’t like conflict. Or, and I hate to say this out loud, but I may not think they deserve to know. Ouch. Not liking that truth about myself.
3. The repentance of the Ninevites was radical. Have you ever thought about how quickly they heard the truth and changed their ways? Jonah had literally made it only a third of the way through the city before the people and their king were putting on sack cloth and ashes. God had gone before him and softened the hearts of those who would be hearing the word.
We can remember this idea when we share Jesus with others. If we are brave enough to speak and smart enough to pray for God to go ahead of us to make the ground fertile, we can wait and watch for radical transformations. Will it be as fast as Nineveh? Not sure, but in God’s time. Here’s what I do know. If we don’t speak when God asks us to, maybe no one else will either. And then, those who need to hear, will be the ones to miss the opportunity to find peace.
Here’s a question or two to ponder. How much of Jonah do I recognize in myself? And how patient am I in sharing my faith with others? Do I give up too easily?
I know I need to rethink some of my actions (or lack thereof).
XOXO,
Barb
Wednesday’s Readings (Jonah 3:1-10, Psalm 51: 3-4. 12-13, 18-19, Luke 11: 29-32)
Reflections of a Cute Lil Mom 