See Jonah Run

Jonah ran from God and he became the first person to ride in a submarine. My guess is that is was not a comfortable ride. In the account of Jonah we are told that he ran but not why he ran. We do know that Jonah admitted that he understood that God was compassionate and that if the people of Nineveh repented that God would forgive them. What drove Jonah to hate these people so much? Here we have a prophet of God that is willing to die before he sees a group of people repent and follow the same God he is following. Wow, now that's a sad thing to have written about you for all people to read.

A few weeks ago I saw a video clip from "Penn Says" about a man that gave him a bible. Penn Jillette admits that he is an Atheist and that this gift did not change his mind. He also says that if you really believe in Jesus and God, how much do you have to hate someone to not tell them about Him? Wow, do you think that all Christians should watch this clip? This comment comes from an admitted non-believer and calls out Christians as hateful if you do not tell people about Jesus.

The scriptures are clear on this subject. Jesus called all believers to be busy about making disciples, teaching them to obey everything He taught. We are also told that how can someone believe in Christ unless we tell them about Him, and how will they hear if we do not go? Where would the Church of Jesus Christ be today if everyone that called themselves "Christian", would just do what He commanded us to do? What if we tried to not beat the gospel into people but to lovingly share the gospel with them? What if we were to actually befriend people with the desire to share the gospel with them? What if we still loved people even if they did not accept the gospel message?

The people of Nineveh heard a true message from a disobedient messenger and they believed. How many would believe today if we would just tell them? Are there too many people in the church today running from God? I'm not sure but there does seem to be a lot of storms out there. Maybe years ago they heard God call and now they are hiding in the lower regions of the boat trying to sleep it out. Maybe they do in fact "hate" their neighbor. Should read what the Scriptures have to say about that. Scary stuff if you ask me.

As I sit in my study preparing this message it makes me want all the more to get out on my bike and find some new friends that do not know the Lord.
How are you finding new friends that do not know the Lord? Do you have a friend that knows the Lord and has not told you? Call them out and ask why. It will help both of you if you have the courage.
Jonah ran but he did not win a medal for it. However, he could be listed in the hall of shame.

Just My Thoughts,

Riceburnermonk