Nineveh

A recent theme at my home has been the story of Jonah and his resistance in following God's instruction to go to Nineveh. Jacob and Grace have enjoyed the reading of this story, along with the Veggietales version! We also went to see the play "Jonah" 2 weeks ago at our local community college. The topic of "going to Nineveh" also came up in a recent discussion with a dear friend.

There are so many lessons in the short book of Jonah. (To those of you who may not have read it, Jonah is a short book in the Bible, and doesn't take much time to read.) God told Jonah to go to Nineveh - a large city far away that was fraught with evil and sin - to warn the people that God would destroy the City in 40 days if they did not repent. Jonah resisted, and took a ship in the opposite direction -- the reason for his resistance? Jonah "knew more" than God -- those Ninevites didn't deserve God's passion! They didn't deserve a chance to avoid destruction!

Despite Jonah's resistance, God was firm in his instruction - Jonah was thrown overboard to calm the storm God caused; and swallowed by the fish; only to finally agree to go to Nineveh. Amazingly, although Jonah "obeyed" in action, he didn't obey in spirit! Jonah did not have the love in his heart for the people of Nineveh. God did. After warning the people of Nineveh, and the people of Nineveh repented (avoiding sure destruction), Jonah was angry with God for showing compassion upon these unworthy people! Jonah had gone to a high place to watch the City be destroyed, only to be disappointed that it wasn't.

God taught Jonah a final lesson - God caused a vine to grow and provide beautiful, comforting shade to Jonah, only to destroy the vine the next day - causing Jonah to become angry with God yet again. Jonah cared more about the plant that he had never tended or nurtured than the childlike people of Nineveh who were children of God who sought the nurture of their "Father" after the warning given by Jonah.

The lessons for me?
* God's compassion is deeper and wider than my limited mind can fathom
* God's love is not just for me and those I deem worthy - it is for all
* When God has a plan and purpose, it is futile to run from it; No one can avoid responsibility when God calls one to do something
* God is in control
* God is Kind and full of Grace

So the next time I feel God calling me to do something, may I do it without question; without judgment; and with kindness, grace, and compassion.