The Reluctant Prophet

The Reluctant Prophet
Words of Faith 9-20-2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2023
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
I am led to bring a devotional study from one of my favorite little books, Jonah. I hope you enjoy the devotional value of learning from the story of a reluctant prophet. JDH
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

Jonah 1
[1] The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: [2] "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."

Jonah is often called the reluctant Prophet. He appeared in a time after Elisha when for forty years no other prophets are mentioned. Some rabbinic traditions claim that Jonah was the widow's son brought back to life by Elijah (1 Kings 17:17‑24). If so, he was a man familiar with the miraculous work of God who may also have had a relationship with the Temple in Jerusalem.
Jonah's miraculous story of God's providence has been dismissed by some as a fable to be interpreted. Others see Jonah as an allegory. But if we take the Word of God seriously, there is no indication that the story was anything less than a tremendous miracle. Those who believe in resurrection should have no trouble believing in the events of Jonah's life.
The fact that Jesus spoke of the "sign of Jonah" and apparently gave full credence to the wonder of these events should endorse the book powerfully. We can learn a great deal from the facts and symbols communicated to us by the reluctant and disobedient prophet who found success despite himself.
When we come to any new study, we must surrender ourselves to the text. We must ask: Lord, what are You seeking to communicate through this part of Your Scripture? What do You want me to learn? How do You want me to respond?
Jonah was a reluctant Prophet. Perhaps you can relate. The truth is that many times we are reluctant Christians. We get to know Jesus because it is stupid not to know Him. We do not want to spend an eternity in hell. But after that, we are often reluctant to truly follow Him. We are reluctant to obey Him. The reassurance we gain from Jonah is that we are not alone if we are reluctant. But we also learn that God will have His way among those He calls. It is really better to get on board with God sooner rather than later.
This story begins with a call. Jonah heard from God. We are not told what that was like, whether Jonah heard a voice or sensed a directive. Whatever it was, it was clear: Go to Nineveh and "inform them that their wickedness has become known to me" (Jerusalem Bible). The call of God is often like that, clear and concise, and not easily described: "This is God. Go. Preach. Details to follow."
Could God move in such a way in our own lives? If so, how do we know it is God? There is not one iota of struggle for Jonah. He knew it was God because it was God. It is the same for us. He may speak to us in a variety of ways‑‑ through a series of events or a dramatic voice. But we will know it is God‑‑ simply because it is God. It is a deep witness of the Spirit. Certainly, there is an immediate confirmation because God does not contradict Himself‑‑ His call will not conflict with any of His written Word. But that does not mean there will be no conflict.
The call of God can be a strange thing. It may not be what we wanted to hear. It may not be what people around us want to hear. It may not be what the traditions of men around us would approve. But when we hear it‑‑ we know. It may be a call to preach teach serve care or even just stay put. It may be a call to wait. Whatever the call is, what we do next tells what we really believe about God.
Are you ready for the call of God in your life? Are you ready to respond? Even if it is not to a place or a task that you have ever considered? Even if someone around you may disapprove? Listen carefully.

Lord, I want to be available to You‑‑ but it is frightening. I pray that as I study Jonah I might discover the points of reluctance in my own life and that You might conquer that reluctance with Your love and mercy. Give me faith to trust You and Your love for me so that I can hear and respond to what You have for my life. I wait upon You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SUBSCRIPTIONS - To receive the Words of Faith devotion five days a week, send an e-mail message addressed to join-words-of-faith@hub.xc.org. To stop receiving Words of Faith, send an e-mail message addressed to unsubscribe-words-of-faith@hub.xc.org. The daily devotion and archive are posted at https://www.faithfellowshipweb.com/blog
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2023 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.