Jonah’s Problem

August 13, 2026

by Jerry Senn

“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me. But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord” (Jonah 1:1-3a).

Running from God is a deadly game of hide and seek. As David recognized, from experience, just how foolish this was; “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence … If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Ps 139:7, 9-10).

Jonah’s running from God’s presence points to a common practice in more believers than in his formerly faithful prophet. He felt God’s mercy toward this terrible city was more than he could possibly obey, he just couldn’t bring himself to be a part of God blessing his mortal enemies in Nineveh.

The story is too familiar to repeat here. But Jonah presents a vivid image of a man who had received the grace as one of God’s favored people but who refused to offer the message of that grace to those he considered beyond God’s grace. 

God used everything at his disposal to cause Jonah to retrace his steps, offer a message of repentance to those who did not deserve it, and to rejoice in the opportunity. Jonah did not rejoice and the book is left open-ended. Nevertheless, it’s filled with applications for believers today.

  1. Hurt people usually hurt others (Jonah 1:7-10)
  2. Your life is moving either “up” or “down.” To flee God’s call is always a downward journey. (Jonah 1:1-17)
  3. God can use the worst things that happen to you to lead you to prayer, and that can have the best outcome (Jonah 2).
  4. Keep the vows you have made to God especially when you don’t understand or agree with them. (Jonah 2:9)
  5. Tell others what God told you, not what you want to say. (Jonah 2:3)
  6. When you are shown mercy, share more with others. (John 4)

Let go of anger and prejudice! Freely have we received, freely give!!

Are we ever guilty of Jonah’s Sin? 
If so, REPENT AND PRAY!