Where are you going to run?

When you think of the story of Jonah, what do you think of first? The whale, right? But the story of Jonah is, first and foremost, about God. It’s a story showing God’s unrelenting grace for undeserving people. And, it’s a story for people like us, people who run from God and need second chances.

In this message, Pastor Bertrand ( Me) explores the theme from this story: an uncomfortable call, and unexpected flight, and an unrelenting grace.

God was pursuing Jonah, and He is pursuing you. He may even send a storm to wake you up.

The truth of the matter is, there is nowhere to run. Scripture is very clear on that point. We are always before His sight, no matter where we are or what we do. Jonah found that out the hard way, there is no running away for those who sincerely love the Lord.

In the Bible, there are several references to running or seeking refuge during the last days or times of trouble. Let’s explore a few of them:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (New Life Version):

The apostle Paul warns that in the last days, there will be much trouble. People will exhibit various negative traits, including self-centeredness, love of money, pride, disobedience, lack of gratitude, and unholiness. They will not love one another, and their behavior will be reckless and harmful. Paul advises believers to avoid such individuals and hold fast to the truth of God’s Word.

Mark 13:14-18 (The Message):

In this passage, Jesus speaks about the end times. He advises those living in Judea to flee to the hills when they see certain signs. If someone is working in the yard, they should not go back to the house to retrieve anything. Similarly, if someone is out in the field, they should not return for their coat. The urgency of the situation requires immediate action.

Joshua 2:16 (New American Standard Bible):

When Joshua sent spies to Jericho, Rahab, a woman in the city, helped them escape. She told them to go to the hill country and hide there for three days until the pursuers returned. This act of seeking refuge in the mountains saved their lives.

Daniel 12:4 (King James Version):

Daniel prophesied that in the last days, knowledge would increase, and people would run to and fro. This verse emphasizes the acceleration of information and movement during those times.

Isaiah 2:2 (New American Standard Bible):

Isaiah speaks of a future time when the mountain of the Lord’s house will be established as the chief of all mountains. All nations will stream to it, seeking God’s presence and guidance.

The Bible portrays the last days as a period of turmoil, but it also offers hope and guidance for those who seek refuge and remain faithful to God’s Word.

The majority of professing Christians believe that because we are under grace we no longer need to keep the law (the ten commandments) and it doesn't matter if we continue in sin. This is NOT the gospel of Christ Jesus and it is certainly UNHOLY. Again, just go back 50 years and you would see Christians living much holier lives.

But today in 2024 we have churches full of unconverted people who continue to live just like the rest of the world. So to fulfil this condition of the last days, we don't even need to step outside the church because there is so much unholiness inside it! Churches have become like theatres and concert halls rather than sanctified holy places of worship.

God gives every one of us a unique mission—and he gives us a choice as to whether or not we fulfill that mission.
God gave Jonah a mission: to warn the people of Nineveh that judgment was coming. But “Jonah immediately tried to run away from the Lord by going to Tarshish” (Jonah 1:3 GW).

Jonah faced consequences for his decision, the same kind of consequences you may encounter if you run away from God’s mission for your life.

The Bible says that when Jonah boarded a ship to get away from his mission, God sent a powerful wind to push the boat back (Jonah 1:4).

Why did God do that? Because he loved Jonah and wanted him to make a good decision that would give him a life of purpose and fulfillment. God sends opposition our way to encourage us to make better decisions.

Jonah’s disobedience also threatened the lives of everyone on the boat to Tarshish. When you run away from God, innocent people, including those you care about, can get hurt. Maybe it’s your spouse, your kids, your grandkids, or your friends. Sometimes it’s people you don’t even know. People can get hurt because of your disobedience.

Jonah shows that when you run from God, your life starts a downward trajectory. Your disobedience will cost you financially, physically, and relationally.

Nineveh was more than 550 miles away, but Jonah tried running to Tarshish, which was 2,500 miles away in the opposite direction. The truth is, you can’t run from God for the rest of your life. He’s everywhere and he knows everything. But he gives you choices because he wants you to love him and follow him voluntarily.

Since God has your best interest at heart, why run from him?

Are you running from God or telling him no? Are you headed in the wrong direction? Have you found yourself in the middle of a storm? Learn about the call of God, how to say yes, and what to do when you’re in a storm. Plus, find out about the five things to understand for a better life with God.

I believe the Holy Spirit is wanting us to consider a fresh look at our lives in light of the book of Jonah. The book of Jonah is more than just a story of a man inside the belly of a great fish. It is a story of God’s grace towards a rebellious prophet, and ungodly, merciless, and undeserving people.

Allow today to be a spiritual wakeup call, and place your faith in Jesus as your savior.