Our pulpit series at the Church at Trophy Lakes this summer is an exposition of the Book of Jonah. Having been through this book several times before, I have asked God for fresh insights and revelation that would be specifically applicable to our fellowship at this time. He has not disappointed me. I have enjoyed the standard classic commentaries on Jonah but have been especially blessed by a reading of an old copy of R.T. Kendall’s thorough treatment of Jonah. His book reflects the theological acumen of an educated professor but the clarity and application of a pastor. His book is a compilation of the first series of messages he delivered at the beginning of his very fruitful tenure as shepherd of the historic Westminster chapel. I have also enjoyed reading the nineteenth century Scottish pastor, Hugh Martin (1821-1885). His Exposition of Jonah has enjoyed several reprints.
I was particularly moved by his comments on the disobedient Jonah who had gone down in the ship and was fast asleep even while the storm that threatened the ship and mariners raged. Listen to Martin describe Jonah and all believers who think they have escaped God’s assignments for their life:
Ah! Beware of disobediences like these, stroke upon stroke. You may think you gain your end; but the Lord has you in His hand, and never more so than precisely when you think you have succeeded. You may resolve to disobey; you may rise up and flee; you may find your way to Joppa; you may find the ship ready there; you may find the mariners make no objection to your company, and are ready to receive the fare. You may crown all, and think the day is gained, when you go down into the ship. How successful has your scheme been! Not a single step in it has been misgiven. The whole project thrives. Jonah is, “gone down into the sides of the ship,” and after the weary conflict in His spirit, and the weary flight to Joppa, he is quiet at last, and “fast asleep.” You think it is all right now, and your plan is safe and your project sure. The last move has been all that you could wish it to be.
Yes; but that last move is your move into the very prison in which God holds you now under lock and key, and will hold you, till He either cast you out for execution, or bring you to repentance.
Not exactly a power of positive thinking thought or typical example of the gospel lite found in many sermons today. Yet, Martin’s description of a sovereign God is a sobering and worthy thought about the God of Jonah. God is revealed in Jonah as the sovereign supreme ruler who orchestrates even the smallest details in order to accomplish His will and bring Glory to His name. He is a God who is “a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, one who relents from doing harm.”
The God of Jonah is not a safe God. You want Him to speak? He will and you might be scared to death at what He commands you to do. You want to run away from Him? Get ready to be pursued by a God who has infinite supply of resources to employ in catching you. You want to draw back and become a spectator? Get ready to be confronted with questions that will expose your soul. In the process remember the good news: God only pursues what He values.
I am glad that my faith is not predictable, safe and routine and that God will awaken me from my desire to make it such. After all a storm is raging and people need to turn from their idols and worship Him. He alone deserves it.
