God Speed!

 

“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah THE SECOND TIME, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, A THREE-DAY JOURNEY IN EXTENT.  And Jonah began to enter the city ON THE FIRST DAY’S WALK. Then he cried out and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”´- Jonah 3:1-4

There’s so much to be learned from Jonah’s return to God after trying to escape his calling to Nineveh. His prayer of repentance was one filled with not only sorrow for what had happened to him, but also gratitude, and his commitment to God to do His will.   But what is most remarkable to me is the energy he put towards that return.  He turned a three day journey to Nineveh into less than ONE DAY!  Now, when I walk the little 1.25 miles in my neighborhood, it takes me about 18 minutes.  I can tell you with certainty, if I were to do that in one third of that time, as Jonah did his “walk” to Nineveh, I would not be walking – I’d be running!  Jonah gave a whole new meaning to “God Speed”! 

But I guess if I had been swallowed by a big fish due to my disobedience, I’d probably do all I could to quickly return to God’s will too.  That is, if I understood that the big fish episode wasn’t just a coincidence, but God’s punishment.

I don’t believe in coincidence.  Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  All things.  That means “ALL”, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  God is ALL-mighty.  Otherwise, He isn’t God.  That means that if it happens, He has either willed it, or allowed it.  Nothing and no one is outside of His reach.  He controls everything from the wind and waves, the rising of the sun, to our daily existence which He has proven many times in the Bible that He can end at any time.

Father, help us to see our disobedience in all things, and return to you with the speed of Jonah.  Let us not stray from the perfect path for our lives you’ve given us, but strive to follow only your lead.  We love you, and thank you for the breath in our lungs, the life you have given, and your sovereignty over our lives.   You’re the Good Father. Amen.