The book of Jonah-escaping from a divine mission

[Nazaret]

maybe its only me, but once in a while i feel like escaping from the deep and heavy weight of the religious thoughts, you know what I mean? you wish to escape or run or even hide from these thoughts, questions and doubts...not in a bad way, simply live and take all easy without being worried with all the divine high issues.

once in a while a doubt is invading into the soul like some Trojan horse...threatening to ruin all that you built up... If you do know what I am talking about, i have a great remedy for such moments.

When did you read the book of Jonah for the last time?

I had the chance to do so last night, reading about Jonah gives such a great perspective, here is a man who have been chosen for a divine mission which he do not wish to be part of! a man trying to escape the divine mission! trying to hide from GOD almost like Adam in the Garden of Eden...
The way God turn the story, the journey that Jonah is going through...up's and downs, happiness and sadness, feelings of loneliness and desire to give up... high and low's - what a fantastic story it is, SO smart.

The book of Jonah shows us how a man who try to escape God and Gods mission ends as one of the greatest, most convincing and powerful prophets, god's messengers. the book helps me in realizing that even when one wish to escape at the end you even get closer than before :embarasse

Thank God we have the holy books to get inspiration in hard times.

 

[The Robster]

Jesus' yoke is light. So if you're feeling weight or burdens on you, then that's the enemy working on you. Not the Lord.

 

[Davy]

Hi, Nazaret, I enjoyed reading your comments. Its interesting to remember, one of the primary reasons Jonah ran away from the dreaded Ninevites, was because of the "Fear of man!" (Proverbs 29:25) Which can easily cause one to get depressed or discouraged.

Ironically, that is often at the root of many falling away or back sliding.

What people will say if you mention the BIBLE or GOD! Not to mention the ridicule of people who are ignorant of a loving creator and the message in the Bible.
But, like Jonah, that fear of ridicule and abuse is sometimes unfounded, as Jonah found out when the Ninevites did not react in the way he had anticipated. I have done that myself, pre-judged people in what they are thinking, and what they might say. But often I have had a completely unanticipated response. My concern and anxiety were completely unfounded. And at times, I have done a "Jonah" and not bothered saying something when it could have been appropriate. Its a good job, God is forgiving, just as he was with Jonah.

Its good to remember the profound lessons in the book of Jonah.