Jonah 1:1–3
1 NOW the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,
2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.
3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.
When we disobey God, it often happens gradually, slowly leading us further from His will. Jonah’s story teaches us valuable lessons. God called Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah chose to flee, showing that while we have the choice to obey or disobey, disobedience leads to regret. Jonah’s attempt to escape God’s presence was futile; a storm and a great fish were sent by God, and even in his disobedience, Jonah acknowledged that salvation comes from the Lord. The seemingly easy path Jonah took—finding a ship, having the fare, and room on board—was not a blessing but a temptation. His descent into the ship and the sea symbolizes his spiritual decline. Despite this, God heard Jonah’s cry and delivered him. Jonah’s story reminds us that disobeying God only brings harm when we follow our own path instead of God’s. Let us learn from Jonah and strive to obey God’s call.
Devotional by Pastor Rod Holler, Sr.