In the story of Jonah, the prophet let his sinfulness get in the way of having compassion on the people of Nineveh. The people of Nineveh were part of the Assyrian empire, which were enemies of Israel. In Jonah’s opinion, these people were not worth saving. When the people of Nineveh turned away from their sin and turned toward God, Jonah was dismayed. Most people would be overjoyed if they were the preacher and people listened and turned back to God. Not Jonah.
It was God’s plan for the people to repent, but that was not Jonah’s plan. We think of a prophet of God being more mature spiritually, but even Jonah was on a journey and needed to grow. Often when my plans don’t fit God’s plan, it is my plan that is the problem not God’s.
The prophet Isaiah writes,“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. [1]Isaiah 55:8-9.
What are the Lord’s plans for your life? Sometimes we don’t take time to think that the Lord of the universe has plans for each of us. God’s plans are greater than we will ever imagine. We just need to seek Him and follow His plans. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I think my plans are better than God’s. Somehow we think that the plans that our all-knowing God makes are not as good as mine. When you stop and think that, it doesn’t make a lot of sense. With that said, how do we find out about God’s plan?
We read in the Gospel of Matthew 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” [2]When we begin to seek the Lord, He begins to reveal His plans for us as we lay down our wants and desires. When we humble ourselves, the Lord begins to transform us through His word. It is only then that His will and His plans begin to come into clearer focus.
Take time to seek the Lord today for His plans for your life. He is waiting to hear your prayers. He has an amazing journey to take you on that you can’t begin to imagine.
To hear more of the story of Jonah click here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-jonah-1/jonahs-anger
For more teaching on Jonah check these podcasts out:
[1, 2]Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation(Isaiah 55:8–9, Matthew 6:33). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.