Direction of Jonah

The story of Jonah is an amazing and thought provoking narrative. God called him to preach to the wicked people of Nineveh. God comanded him to "Get up" (must be sitting), "Go" (has not been going), and "Cry out". Jonah must have been an able proclaimer for the result of his preaching was the conversion of Nineveh (3.5-10). He was qualified for God would not have sent him. His encounter with the fish will give him a new appreciation for God's love and mercy.

Rather than go to Nineveh, Jonah begins a downward spiral. He goes down to Joppa to catch a boat in the opposite direction. He goes down into the boat to sleep as calamity strikes the boat. He is thrown overboard by the crew and goes down into the water. As he prays to God, he talks of going down under the mountains to the bars of Sheol. (Sheol was thought to be the third level of the earth where the foundations of the earth were. It was thought to be the destination of the dead). Jonah's descent stems from his rejection of God's call.

After his time in the fish, one would think that his experience with God's mercy would give him a new outlook concerning the lost. He preached to Nineveh with great results, but was displeased that God extended mercy to them (much like the older brother of the prodigal in Luke 15). He returns to his position of sitting (4.5) and prayed that he might die. The story concludes open-endedly. Perhaps we are to insert ourselves into the narrative. Am I Jonah (self-interest) or am I like the Lord (love and mercy)?

Jonah's refusal to answer God's call led him on downward spiral. It is ironic considering that his name means "Dove." Rather than soar high, he descends low. The spiritual experience we seek with God comes not from running away from the world, but by joining God in trying to save it.