We all know the story of Jonah. He was told by God to go to Nineveh to preach to them. Instead, he went in the opposite direction, got on a ship, a storm arose, he was thrown overboard, a great fish swallowed him, he stayed there three days, he prayed to God, was spit out on dry land, was told again to go to Nineveh, he did, and finally preached his eight word sermon and they all repented (Jonah1-3), which is where we usually stop. But I must ask why did he go the opposite direction? We know he was trying to flee from the presence of God (Jonah1:3) and we know we can’t hide from God (Psalms 139:7-10).

Let’s take a moment and look at Jonah 4. In this chapter we read more about Jonah’s actions. He was not happy about Nineveh’s repentance, in fact verse 1 it says he was angry. He went outside of the city and pouted. Why, because he did not love the people. He was comfortable with the way things were, he was happy with the way things were going, he was happy with the friends he had and when God wanted him to preach to Nineveh, it made him so uncomfortable, he ran away!

There is nothing wrong with being comfortable. I love sweatpants, hoodies, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes. To me those things just say, comfort. But I can’t wear or eat those things all of the time. Sometimes we must do and say things that make us uncomfortable. Jonah struggled with that. He tried to run from his responsibilities. We need to be careful that we do not become too comfortable in our service for God. Coming to church services three times a week with the same group of people can make us comfortable. Sitting in the same pew, talking to the same people can make us comfortable. There is nothing wrong with that, unless we forget about what we are suppose to be doing. We are suppose to be inviting others to worship (Luke 14:12-23), teaching our friends and others about God (Matthew 28:19-20), saving the lost (Luke 19:10), and edifying one another (Ephesians 4:13-16).

Don’t be like Jonah. Do not hide from your responsibility. It’s time to get uncomfortable and save some souls.

By: Kristina Odom