Difficult things in the Bible (pt. 2)

The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” Jonah 1:1-2

Road to Perdition is one of the most successful comic book adaptations into film in the early 2000s. In the film, Michael Sullivan’s son and wife are killed by the Mafia family he had been loyal to. It was a horrible mistake to order the hit on Michael’s family, and the Don sent a messenger to make peace with Michael. After presenting him with a bag full of money, Michael offers a message to send back to the Don. He shoots the messenger and starts a war between him and the crime family.

One of the most challenging social aspects of following God is knowing that His concerns must be communicated to others. When God has a message that needs to be delivered, he sends his disciples.

Jonah had to tell the whole city of Ninevah to stop their reckless behavior (including mass murder and torture). Jonah had his reasons not to be God’s faithful messenger, stating that God should just blast the wicked city off the Earth and not give them mercy.

God persists in chasing Jonah to complete the job, involving a supernatural fish that swallows him up and transports him to the city. In the belly of the fish, Jonah repents his obstinacy and states that God is merciful and willing to forgive cities that sin greatly.

Where do modern-day Christ followers fit into the messenger role? Ephesians 4:25 instructs Christians to refrain from lying to their neighbors and instead share the truth. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs Christians to have an answer ready for their faith and to present it with gentleness and humility. Romans 1:16 urges us not to be ashamed of the Gospel because it brings life to others.

I pray that as your understanding of God’s word and instruction grows, it becomes a message you want to share with your neighbors. Whether the message tells others to go or stop, it’s an important part of following Jesus.

Figure it Out

7“When my life was ebbing away,
    I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
    to your holy temple.

8 “Those who cling to worthless idols
    turn away from God’s love for them.
9 But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
    will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
    I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”

Jonah 2:7-9 (Jonah is inside the belly of a fish, reconsidering his life choices) 

  1. Circle any words or phrases that are significant to you. What makes them stand out?
  2. Why won’t God send the message himself?
  3. What revelations does Jonah make about God and his nature? Why does God want Ninevah to experience that nature?
  4. What steps can you take to embrace God’s messages of love, warning, and care to others?

Spoiler: Jonah remains intensely bitter that God is offering forgiveness to Nineveh in exchange for their repentance, but God still uses him.



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